Bear Canyon Snow Report
Bear Canyon at a glance
How the snowpack at Bear Canyon looks right now, where the station sits on the map, and its key details.
Bear Canyon reports 0.0″ of new snowfall today, raising snowpack levels to 1 inches. Snowpack depth is 100% of normal, which is on par with the seasonal average for this time of year. The mountain is perched in Idaho at an elevation of 7,900ft, where the air temperature is about 80°F right now.
Seasonal average snowpack on this calendar day is 1 inches across the station's full record. This is roughly in line with the long-run average for the station, suggesting a typical spring runoff window ahead.
Over the next 5 days, the snowpack at Bear Canyon is expected to hold near today's 0.0 inches of snow-water equivalent, toward roughly 0.0 inches by 2026-07-22.
For real-time and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other stations in the Idaho snow report.
How does this compare to past years?
Year-over-year percentile bands, every recorded powder day, and the deepest snowpack on record each water year at this station.
Weather Forecast
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & snow
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Bear Canyon
Bear Canyon is located in the Bitterroot Mountains in Idaho with an elevation ranging from 5,000 to 8,000 feet. The snowpack here is heavily influenced by the Cascade Storm Track, resulting in an average annual snowfall of around 400 inches. The average peak snowpack typically occurs in late March and averages around 100 inches. Nearby ski resorts include Lost Trail Powder Mountain and Montana Snowbowl.
Climate trends in Bear Canyon indicate a warming trend with fewer extreme cold days and more precipitation falling as rain instead of snow. This has resulted in a decrease in the snowpack and a shift in the timing of peak snowpack.
The hydrology of Bear Canyon is important as it contributes to downstream rivers, creeks, and reservoirs. The area is a critical source of water for the Bitterroot Valley, contributing to the Bitterroot River, a tributary to the Clark Fork River, and contributing to the supply of water for several downstream reservoirs.
1. Hiking: Bear Canyon offers numerous hiking trails with varying levels of difficulty, making it a popular destination for hikers of all skill levels. One popular trail is the Bear Canyon Loop Trail, which offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and wildlife. 2. Mountain Biking: The rugged terrain and scenic views in Bear Canyon make it a great location for mountain biking enthusiasts. The Bear Canyon Mountain Bike Trail is a popular choice for riders looking for a challenging and rewarding experience. 3. Rock Climbing: The granite cliffs and boulders in Bear Canyon provide great opportunities for rock climbing. Climbers can test their skills on routes of varying difficulty levels, with some of the more challenging climbs offering stunning panoramic views of the canyon. 4. Fishing: Bear Canyon is home to several streams and lakes that are perfect for fishing. Anglers can try their luck at catching trout, bass, and other freshwater fish in the crystal-clear waters of the canyon. 5. Camping: There are several campgrounds in and around Bear Canyon that provide a great opportunity for visitors to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse themselves in nature. Camping under the starry night sky and waking up to the sounds of birds chirping and the rustling of leaves is a truly rejuvenating experience.
Nearby snowpack depths
Cross-check whether Bear Canyon's snowpack is a one-off accumulation or a regional storm cycle.
| Station | Snowpack |
|---|---|
| Bear Canyon | 1 in |
| Nohrsc Bear Canyon | 1 in |
| Nohrsc Smiley Mountain | 0 in |
| Smiley Mountain | 0 in |
| Swede Peak | 1 in |
| Nohrsc Swede Peak | 1 in |
Recreation near Bear Canyon
Ski areas, reservoirs, paddle runs, campgrounds, and fishing access within driving distance.
Ski areas
See all →
Mountain & avalanche safety
- Know before you go
- Check today's avalanche bulletin from the regional avalanche center before any backcountry / side-country travel. Conditions can shift dramatically between morning and afternoon on storm days.
- Carry the gear, know how to use it
- Beacon, shovel, probe. Practice companion rescue on a calm day, not during a real burial.
- Mind the weather window
- Heavy snow + wind builds wind slabs at ridgelines. The day after a storm is often the riskiest in the backcountry.
- Read the snowpack
- A weak, faceted, or wind-loaded snowpack — like the depth and trend shown above — is exactly what feeds slab avalanches. Dig a pit or check the bulletin before committing to steep terrain.
Track Bear Canyon in the Snoflo app
Save this station as a favorite, set push alerts when snowfall crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Bear Canyon reports 6″ new"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment the SNOTEL station crosses.
About Bear Canyon
Where does the snow data for Bear Canyon come from?
Snowpack depth, SWE, snowfall, and air temperature come from the NRCS SNOTEL station 320. Forecast comes from the NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NRCS SNOTEL stations report continuously (typically hourly). Snoflo refreshes throughout the day; check the "as of" timestamp on the snowpack hero card.
What's the difference between snowpack depth and SWE?
Snowpack depth measures how tall the snow is. SWE (snow water equivalent) measures how much WATER is in that snow. SWE matters more for hydrology and ski-season prediction since dry powder packs less water than wet/spring snow at the same depth.
How is "% of normal" calculated?
Today's snowpack is compared to the historical average snowpack on this calendar day across the station's full record. 100% = right on average; 130% = a big year; 60% = a thin year.
Can I get alerts when fresh snow hits?
Yes -- snow alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this station, set a snowfall threshold (e.g. "alert me when 6+ inches"), and you'll get a push the moment NRCS reports the crossing.
Access the free Bear Canyon report
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