Madison Plateau snow report
Madison Plateau at a glance
How the snowpack at Madison Plateau looks right now, where the station sits on the map, and its key details.
Madison Plateau 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 Montana at an elevation of 7,750ft, 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 Madison Plateau is expected to hold near today's 0.0 inches of snow-water equivalent, toward roughly 0.0 inches by 2026-07-18.
For real-time and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other stations in the Montana 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.
Madison Plateau
Madison Plateau, located in the Gravelly Range of Montana, boasts an average elevation of 9,000 feet above sea level. The region receives an average annual snowfall of 300 inches, contributing to an average peak snowpack of 150 inches. The nearby ski resorts of Moonlight Basin and Big Sky Resort benefit greatly from the abundant snowpack. Long-term climate trends indicate a slight increase in winter precipitation, with more frequent and intense winter storms. The hydrology of the area is heavily influenced by the snowpack, as it feeds the headwaters of several downstream rivers, including the Gallatin River and Madison River. Snowmelt also contributes to the water levels of Ennis Lake and Hebgen Lake. As a result, sustainable management of the snowpack is crucial for the health and vitality of the local ecosystem.
1. Hiking: The Madison Plateau area offers a variety of hiking trails for all skill levels. One popular hike is the Fairy Falls Trail, which is a moderate 5-mile round trip hike that leads to a beautiful waterfall. Another popular option is the Bighorn Pass Trail, a more challenging 10-mile hike that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. 2. Fishing: The Madison River, which runs through the plateau, is known for its excellent fishing opportunities. Anglers can try their luck at catching trout, including rainbow, brown, and brook trout. Fly fishing is particularly popular in this area, with many designated fishing access points along the river. 3. Camping: There are several campgrounds in the Madison Plateau area, offering a range of camping experiences from primitive sites to more developed campgrounds with amenities such as bathrooms and picnic tables. One popular campground is the Madison Arm Resort Campground, which offers lakeside camping and easy access to fishing and boating opportunities on Hebgen Lake. 4. Wildlife viewing: The Madison Plateau is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, bison, and bears. Visitors can enjoy observing these animals in their natural habitat by taking a wildlife watching tour or simply exploring the area on foot or by car. 5. Photography: The stunning natural landscapes of the Madison Plateau provide ample opportunities for photography enthusiasts. From sweeping mountain vistas to colorful wildflower meadows, there are endless possibilities for capturing the beauty of the area. Sunrise and sunset are particularly magical times for photography in this region.
Nearby snowpack depths
Cross-check whether Madison Plateau's snowpack is a one-off accumulation or a regional storm cycle.
| Station | Snowpack |
|---|---|
| Madison Plateau | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Madison Plateau | 0 in |
| Whiskey Creek | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Whiskey Creek | 0 in |
| Nohrsc West Yellowstone | 0 in |
| West Yellowstone | 0 in |
Recreation near Madison Plateau
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 Madison Plateau in the Snoflo app
Save this station as a favorite, set push alerts when snowfall crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Madison Plateau reports 6″ new"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment the SNOTEL station crosses.
About Madison Plateau
Where does the snow data for Madison Plateau come from?
Snowpack depth, SWE, snowfall, and air temperature come from the NRCS SNOTEL station 609. 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 Madison Plateau report
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