Sunset Snow Report
Sunset at a glance
How the snowpack at Sunset looks right now, where the station sits on the map, and its key details.
Sunset 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 5,540ft, where the air temperature is about 75°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 Sunset is expected to hold near today's 0.0 inches of snow-water equivalent, toward roughly 0.0 inches by 2026-07-24.
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.
Sunset
Sunset, ID sits in the Sawtooth Mountains, with an average elevation of 7,000 feet. The area receives an average annual snowfall of 200 inches, contributing to an average peak snowpack of around 45 inches during the winter months. Nearby ski resorts such as Sun Valley and Soldier Mountain rely heavily on the snowpack, with skiing operations running from November to April. Climate trends in the area show a decrease in snowpack due to warming temperatures, leading to a decline in hydrology constituents. Downstream rivers, creeks, and reservoirs, such as the Salmon River and Redfish Lake, are directly impacted by the snowpack in the Sawtooth Mountains. As a result, monitoring and managing the snowpack in this region are important for maintaining the health of the local ecosystem and water sources.
1. Fishing at Cascade Reservoir: Cascade Reservoir is a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts, offering opportunities to catch a variety of fish including rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and kokanee salmon. The reservoir is surrounded by beautiful scenery, making it a relaxing and enjoyable place to spend a few hours casting your line. 2. Hiking in the Boise National Forest: Sunset is surrounded by the Boise National Forest, which offers a wide range of hiking trails for all skill levels. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, you'll find a trail that suits your preferences. Popular hikes in the area include the Quaking Aspen Trail and the Bear Valley Creek Trail. 3. Mountain biking on the Fisher Creek Trail: The Fisher Creek Trail is a popular mountain biking destination near Sunset, offering a challenging ride through the rugged terrain of the Sawtooth Mountains. The trail features steep climbs, technical descents, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. It's a great way to get your adrenaline pumping while enjoying the great outdoors. 4. Kayaking on the Payette River: The Payette River is a popular spot for kayaking and other water sports, offering both calm stretches for beginners and challenging rapids for more experienced paddlers. Sunset is conveniently located near several access points along the river, making it easy to spend a day on the water enjoying the beautiful scenery and thrilling rapids. 5. Camping at Lake Cascade State Park: Lake Cascade State Park offers a variety of camping options, from tent sites to RV hookups, making it a great destination for a weekend getaway. The park also features hiking trails, a beach for swimming and sunbathing, and opportunities for boating and fishing. It's a great place to unplug and immerse yourself in nature.
Nearby snowpack depths
Cross-check whether Sunset's snowpack is a one-off accumulation or a regional storm cycle.
| Station | Snowpack |
|---|---|
| Sunset | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Sunset | 0 in |
| Humboldt Gulch | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Humboldt Gulch | 0 in |
| Prichard 3 Ese | 0 in |
| Lookout | 0 in |
Recreation near Sunset
Ski areas, reservoirs, paddle runs, campgrounds, and fishing access within driving distance.
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 Sunset in the Snoflo app
Save this station as a favorite, set push alerts when snowfall crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Sunset reports 6″ new"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment the SNOTEL station crosses.
About Sunset
Where does the snow data for Sunset come from?
Snowpack depth, SWE, snowfall, and air temperature come from the NRCS SNOTEL station 803. 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 Sunset report
Create your free account to track this — and everything else you love outdoors.
- Custom alerts — get pinged the moment conditions change
- Save favorites — every river, lake, snowpack & resort in one place
- Full history & forecasts — plus the free iPhone app