Elk Butte Snow Report
Elk Butte at a glance
How the snowpack at Elk Butte looks right now, where the station sits on the map, and its key details.
Elk Butte 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 5,690ft, where the air temperature is about 73°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 Elk Butte 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.
Elk Butte
Elk Butte, ID is located in the Sawtooth Mountain Range at an elevation of 8,310 feet. The average annual snowfall in the area is around 180 inches, with an average peak snowpack of 70-80 inches. The nearby ski resorts of Sun Valley and Soldier Mountain benefit greatly from the consistent snowpack. Climate trends in the area have indicated a slight increase in temperature and a decrease in snowpack over the past few decades. This has led to concerns for downstream hydrology constituents such as the Big Wood River, which flows into the Magic Reservoir. Despite these concerns, the snowpack in Elk Butte continues to be a crucial source of water for the area's ecosystem and human population.
1. Hiking: Elk Butte is surrounded by beautiful mountainous terrain with numerous hiking trails to explore. One popular hike is the Elk Creek Falls Trail, which offers stunning views of multiple waterfalls and is a relatively easy hike suitable for all skill levels. 2. Fishing: The nearby St. Joe River is a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts, particularly for fly fishing. The river is known for its abundant trout populations, including rainbow, cutthroat, and brook trout. 3. Camping: There are several campgrounds near Elk Butte, such as the Elk Creek Campground, which provides a peaceful and scenic setting for camping. Campers can enjoy activities such as hiking, fishing, and stargazing in the evening. 4. Mountain biking: The surrounding area offers a variety of mountain biking trails that cater to all skill levels. The Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes is a popular trail that passes through scenic landscapes and historic sites, providing a memorable biking experience. 5. Wildlife viewing: Elk Butte is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including elk, deer, bears, and various bird species. Wildlife enthusiasts can enjoy observing and photographing these animals in their natural habitat. 6. Kayaking and canoeing: The nearby Coeur d'Alene River and St. Joe River offer opportunities for kayaking and canoeing, providing a peaceful and scenic way to explore the waterways and enjoy the surrounding nature. Overall, Elk Butte and its surrounding area offer a wide range of outdoor recreational activities for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy.
Nearby snowpack depths
Cross-check whether Elk Butte's snowpack is a one-off accumulation or a regional storm cycle.
| Station | Snowpack |
|---|---|
| Elk Butte | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Elk Butte | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Sherwin | 2 in |
| Sherwin | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Lost Lake | 3 in |
| Lost Lake | 3 in |
Recreation near Elk Butte
Ski areas, reservoirs, paddle runs, campgrounds, and fishing access within driving distance.
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Fishing
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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 Elk Butte in the Snoflo app
Save this station as a favorite, set push alerts when snowfall crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Elk Butte reports 6″ new"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment the SNOTEL station crosses.
About Elk Butte
Where does the snow data for Elk Butte come from?
Snowpack depth, SWE, snowfall, and air temperature come from the NRCS SNOTEL station 466. 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 Elk Butte report
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