Barker Lakes snow report
Barker Lakes at a glance
How the snowpack at Barker Lakes looks right now, where the station sits on the map, and its key details.
Barker Lakes 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 8,250ft, 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 Barker Lakes is expected to hold near today's 0.2 inches of snow-water equivalent, toward roughly 0.1 inches by 2026-07-17.
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.
Barker Lakes
Barker Lakes, located in the Madison Range of Montana at an elevation of 8,000 feet, receive an average annual snowfall of 250 inches. The average peak snowpack depth is around 125 inches. Nearby ski resorts such as Moonlight Basin and Big Sky Resort benefit from this dense snowpack which provides excellent skiing conditions. Climate trends in the region show a slight increase in average annual temperatures and a decrease in average annual precipitation. The hydrology of the area is dominated by the nearby Madison River, which originates from the snowpack in the mountains. Additionally, the snowmelt feeds into several creeks and reservoirs downstream. As the snowpack melts throughout the spring and summer, it sustains the local ecosystems and supports the agricultural industry in the region. Overall, the snowpack in the Barker Lakes area is a critical component of the local environment and economy.
1. Hiking: Barker Lakes is surrounded by beautiful hiking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. Popular hikes in the area include the Barker Lakes Trail, which leads to the pristine Barker Lakes and offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, and the Snow Crest Trail, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. 2. Fishing: Barker Lakes is a great spot for fishing, with its clear, cold waters teeming with trout and other fish species. Anglers can try their luck at catching rainbow, brook, and cutthroat trout in the lakes and streams in the area. 3. Camping: There are several campgrounds near Barker Lakes that offer a peaceful and scenic setting for a night under the stars. Campers can enjoy activities such as stargazing, cooking over a campfire, and hiking in the surrounding wilderness. 4. Boating: Visitors to Barker Lakes can bring their own kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards to explore the calm waters of the lakes. Boating provides a unique perspective of the area and allows for up-close encounters with wildlife such as eagles, osprey, and beavers. 5. Birdwatching: Barker Lakes is a prime birdwatching destination, with a variety of bird species found in the surrounding forests and wetlands. Birdwatchers can spot species such as bald eagles, osprey, woodpeckers, and warblers while exploring the area.
Nearby snowpack depths
Cross-check whether Barker Lakes's snowpack is a one-off accumulation or a regional storm cycle.
| Station | Snowpack |
|---|---|
| Barker Lakes | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Barker Lakes | 0 in |
| Anaconda 7.4 Nw | 0 in |
| Anaconda | 0 in |
| Peterson Meadows | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Peterson Meadows | 0 in |
Recreation near Barker Lakes
Ski areas, reservoirs, paddle runs, campgrounds, and fishing access within driving distance.
Ski areas
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 Barker Lakes in the Snoflo app
Save this station as a favorite, set push alerts when snowfall crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Barker Lakes reports 6″ new"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment the SNOTEL station crosses.
About Barker Lakes
Where does the snow data for Barker Lakes come from?
Snowpack depth, SWE, snowfall, and air temperature come from the NRCS SNOTEL station 313. 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 Barker Lakes report
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