Chocolate Gulch Snow Report
Chocolate Gulch at a glance
How the snowpack at Chocolate Gulch looks right now, where the station sits on the map, and its key details.
Chocolate Gulch reports 0.0″ of new snowfall today, raising snowpack levels to 0 inches. Snowpack depth is 0% of normal, which is very low for this time of year. The mountain is perched in Idaho at an elevation of 6,440ft, where the air temperature is about 89°F right now.
Seasonal average snowpack on this calendar day is 1 inches across the station's full record. Below-normal snowpack like this typically translates to a thinner spring runoff downstream and earlier snowmelt -- worth watching for downstream water-supply forecasts.
Over the next 5 days, the snowpack at Chocolate Gulch is expected to hold near today's 0.0 inches of snow-water equivalent, toward roughly 0.0 inches by 2026-07-25.
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.
Chocolate Gulch
Chocolate Gulch is nestled in the Sawtooth Range of Idaho, with an elevation ranging from 6,000 to 8,000 feet. The area receives an average annual snowfall of 150 to 200 inches, with the peak snowpack typically occurring in mid-March at an average of 60 to 70 inches. Nearby ski resorts that benefit from Chocolate Gulch's snowpack include Sun Valley and Bald Mountain.
Climate trends in the area show an increase in winter precipitation over the past few decades, leading to a slightly higher average snowpack. However, warmer temperatures in the spring are causing an earlier snowmelt and shorter snow season.
Hydrological constituents of Chocolate Gulch include the Big Wood River, which is fed by several creeks and streams in the area, and provides water for irrigation and recreation downstream. The area also contains several reservoirs for water storage and management.
Overall, Chocolate Gulch's snowpack is an important source of water for the region's ecosystem and plays a crucial role in supporting the local economy and recreation industry.
1. Hiking: Chocolate Gulch is surrounded by numerous hiking trails, offering a variety of options for all skill levels. Some popular trails in the area include the Chocolate Gulch Loop Trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and meadows. 2. Mountain Biking: The area around Chocolate Gulch is a popular destination for mountain bikers, with several trails that cater to all abilities. The Adams Gulch Trail System is a favorite among locals, offering a mix of technical singletrack and smooth flow trails. 3. Fly Fishing: The Big Wood River, located near Chocolate Gulch, is a prime destination for fly fishing enthusiasts. Anglers can try their luck at catching trout in the river's clear waters, surrounded by the beautiful scenery of the Sawtooth Mountains. 4. Rock Climbing: The nearby Castle Rocks State Park is a popular destination for rock climbers, with a variety of routes for climbers of all skill levels. The park offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure. 5. Horseback Riding: Chocolate Gulch is a great place for horseback riding, with several trails that are suitable for riders of all levels. Horseback riding allows visitors to explore the area's rugged terrain and enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the Sawtooth Mountains.
Nearby snowpack depths
Cross-check whether Chocolate Gulch's snowpack is a one-off accumulation or a regional storm cycle.
| Station | Snowpack |
|---|---|
| Chocolate Gulch | 0 in |
| Ketchum Rs | 0 in |
| Lost-Wood Divide | 0 in |
| Ketchum 2.2 Sse | 0 in |
| Lost-Wood Divide | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Stickney Mill | 0 in |
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 Chocolate Gulch in the Snoflo app
Save this station as a favorite, set push alerts when snowfall crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Chocolate Gulch reports 6″ new"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment the SNOTEL station crosses.
About Chocolate Gulch
Where does the snow data for Chocolate Gulch come from?
Snowpack depth, SWE, snowfall, and air temperature come from the NRCS SNOTEL station 895. 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 Chocolate Gulch report
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