Cole Creek Snow Report
Cole Creek at a glance
How the snowpack at Cole Creek looks right now, where the station sits on the map, and its key details.
Cole Creek reports 0.0″ of new snowfall today, raising snowpack levels to 0 inches. Snowpack depth is % of normal, which is very low for this time of year. The mountain is perched in Montana at an elevation of 7,850ft, where the air temperature is about 79°F right now.
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.
Cole Creek
Cole Creek, MT is located in the Bridger Range of the Rocky Mountains and has an elevation range of 6,000-8,000 feet. The average annual snowfall in the area is approximately 200 inches, with an average peak snowpack of around 60 inches. The nearby ski resorts of Bridger Bowl and Bohart Ranch offer ample opportunities for winter recreation. Climate trends indicate a warming trend, with less snowfall and earlier snowmelt in recent years.
The snowpack in Cole Creek plays a crucial role in the hydrology of the region, feeding downstream rivers and creeks such as the Gallatin River and Hyalite Creek, and ultimately contributing to the water supply of nearby reservoirs such as Hyalite Reservoir. Snowpack monitoring in the area is essential for predicting water availability for irrigation, municipal, and recreational uses, highlighting the important role of snowpack in the region's ecology, economy, and social well-being.
1. Hiking: Cole Creek is surrounded by numerous hiking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests. One popular hiking destination is the Mt. Helena Ridge Trail, which offers panoramic views of the Helena Valley and the surrounding mountains. 2. Fishing: Cole Creek is a prime spot for fishing, with numerous opportunities to catch a variety of fish species, including trout, bass, and catfish. Anglers can try their luck at fishing in the creek itself or venture out to nearby lakes and reservoirs for a chance to reel in a big catch. 3. Mountain Biking: The rugged terrain surrounding Cole Creek provides the perfect setting for mountain biking enthusiasts. There are numerous trails in the area that cater to all skill levels, from beginner to advanced riders. The MacDonald Pass Trail is a popular choice for mountain bikers, offering challenging climbs and thrilling descents. 4. Camping: Cole Creek is a great destination for camping, with several campgrounds located in the area. Campers can enjoy the peace and serenity of the great outdoors, while also having easy access to hiking, fishing, and other recreational activities. The Hidden Lake Campground is a popular choice for campers, offering scenic views and easy access to the creek. 5. Wildlife Viewing: Cole Creek is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, and a wide range of bird species. Nature enthusiasts can spend their days exploring the area in search of wildlife, and may even be lucky enough to spot a bald eagle soaring overhead or a herd of elk grazing in a meadow. Birdwatchers will also enjoy the diverse bird populations that call Cole Creek home.
Nearby snowpack depths
Cross-check whether Cole Creek's snowpack is a one-off accumulation or a regional storm cycle.
| Station | Snowpack |
|---|---|
| Cole Creek | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Cole Creek | 0 in |
| Red Lodge | 0 in |
| Burnt Mtn | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Burnt Mtn | 0 in |
| Beartooth Lake | 0 in |
Recreation near Cole Creek
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 Cole Creek in the Snoflo app
Save this station as a favorite, set push alerts when snowfall crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Cole Creek reports 6″ new"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment the SNOTEL station crosses.
About Cole Creek
Where does the snow data for Cole Creek come from?
Snowpack depth, SWE, snowfall, and air temperature come from the NRCS SNOTEL station 407. 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 Cole Creek report
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