West Branch Snow Report
West Branch at a glance
How the snowpack at West Branch looks right now, where the station sits on the map, and its key details.
West Branch reports 0.0″ of new snowfall today, raising snowpack levels to 1 inches. Snowpack depth is 23% of normal, which is very low for this time of year. The mountain is perched in Idaho at an elevation of 5,560ft, where the air temperature is about 68°F right now.
Seasonal average snowpack on this calendar day is 4 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.
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.
West Branch
The West Branch region of Idaho boasts an impressive snowpack, with an average annual snowfall of around 500 inches. This is due in large part to the area's high elevation and location within the Rocky Mountains. The snowpack typically reaches its peak in late March or early April, with an average peak snowpack of around 130 inches. The nearby ski resorts of Brundage Mountain and Tamarack Resort benefit greatly from this abundant snowfall, providing ample opportunities for winter recreation.
In recent years, the West Branch region has experienced some fluctuations in snowpack levels, likely due to changing climate patterns. However, the area's hydrology remains relatively stable, with downstream rivers, creeks, and reservoirs relying on the consistent snowmelt for their water supply. Overall, the West Branch region's snowpack is a vital component of the local ecosystem and economy, supporting both recreational activities and essential water resources.
1. Fishing: West Branch is surrounded by several rivers and lakes, making it a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts. Some popular spots for fishing near West Branch include the South Fork of the Boise River, Anderson Ranch Reservoir, and Arrowrock Reservoir. 2. Hiking: The Boise National Forest offers numerous hiking trails near West Branch, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging hikes. Some popular hiking trails in the area include the Danskin Peak Trail, the South Fork of the Boise River Trail, and the Arrowrock Reservoir Trail. 3. Camping: West Branch is a great place to pitch a tent and enjoy the great outdoors. There are several campgrounds in the area, including the Bad Bear Campground, the Pine Flat Campground, and the Robie Creek Campground. 4. Mountain Biking: The rugged terrain surrounding West Branch is perfect for mountain biking. There are several mountain biking trails in the area, including the Danskin Mountains Trail, the Ridge to Rivers Trail System, and the Boise River Greenbelt. 5. Wildlife Viewing: West Branch is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, bears, and bald eagles. Visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing opportunities at the Lucky Peak State Park, the Boise National Forest, and the Danskin Mountains. Overall, West Branch offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities for visitors to enjoy, making it a great destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Nearby snowpack depths
Cross-check whether West Branch's snowpack is a one-off accumulation or a regional storm cycle.
| Station | Snowpack |
|---|---|
| West Branch | 1 in |
| Nohrsc West Branch | 2 in |
| Granite Mountain | 13 in |
| Nohrsc Brundage Reservoir | 2 in |
| Brundage Reservoir | 2 in |
| Nohrsc Bear Basin | 0 in |
Recreation near West Branch
Ski areas, reservoirs, paddle runs, campgrounds, and fishing access within driving distance.
Reservoirs
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 West Branch in the Snoflo app
Save this station as a favorite, set push alerts when snowfall crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when West Branch reports 6″ new"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment the SNOTEL station crosses.
About West Branch
Where does the snow data for West Branch come from?
Snowpack depth, SWE, snowfall, and air temperature come from the NRCS SNOTEL station 855. 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 West Branch report
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