Darkhorse Lake snow report
Darkhorse Lake at a glance
How the snowpack at Darkhorse Lake looks right now, where the station sits on the map, and its key details.
Darkhorse Lake 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 8,600ft, where the air temperature is about 76°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.
Over the next 5 days, the snowpack at Darkhorse Lake is expected to hold near today's 0.0 inches of snow-water equivalent, toward roughly 0.0 inches by 2026-07-16.
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.
Darkhorse Lake
Darkhorse Lake, MT is located in the Swan Mountain Range at an elevation of 6,704 feet. The average annual snowfall in this region is approximately 200 inches, with an average peak snowpack of 80 inches. The snowpack is crucial to the nearby ski resorts, including Blacktail Mountain Ski Area and Whitefish Mountain Resort, which offer a combined 3,000 skiable acres. Climate trends in this region indicate that snowpack is decreasing, and this trend is likely to continue.
The hydrology of Darkhorse Lake is significant as it feeds into the Swan River, which eventually flows into the Flathead River. This river provides water for the Flathead Valley's numerous reservoirs, including Hungry Horse Reservoir, which is responsible for generating hydroelectric power. The snowpack in this region is vital to maintaining healthy downstream ecosystems and water supplies.
1. Fishing: Darkhorse Lake is known for its abundant populations of trout, making it a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts. Anglers can try their luck at catching rainbow, cutthroat, and brook trout in the clear waters of the lake. 2. Hiking: The surrounding area of Darkhorse Lake offers a variety of hiking trails for visitors to explore. Hikers can enjoy stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains while traversing through forests and meadows. 3. Camping: Camping is a popular activity near Darkhorse Lake, with several campgrounds located nearby. Visitors can enjoy a night under the stars, with the sound of the lake lapping at the shore as a backdrop. 4. Birdwatching: The area around Darkhorse Lake is home to a variety of bird species, making it a great spot for birdwatching enthusiasts. Visitors may spot osprey, bald eagles, and various species of waterfowl while exploring the lake and surrounding marshlands. 5. Kayaking and Canoeing: The calm waters of Darkhorse Lake are ideal for paddling activities such as kayaking and canoeing. Visitors can leisurely explore the lake and its shoreline, taking in the peaceful surroundings and enjoying the serenity of the water. Overall, Darkhorse Lake offers a range of outdoor recreational activities for visitors to enjoy, from fishing and hiking to camping and birdwatching. Each activity provides a unique way to experience the natural beauty of the area and connect with the great outdoors.
Nearby snowpack depths
Cross-check whether Darkhorse Lake's snowpack is a one-off accumulation or a regional storm cycle.
| Station | Snowpack |
|---|---|
| Darkhorse Lake | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Darkhorse Lake | 0 in |
| Bloody Dick | 0 in |
| Bloody Dick | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Lemhi Ridge | 3 in |
| Lemhi Ridge | 3 in |
Recreation near Darkhorse Lake
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 Darkhorse Lake in the Snoflo app
Save this station as a favorite, set push alerts when snowfall crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Darkhorse Lake reports 6″ new"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment the SNOTEL station crosses.
About Darkhorse Lake
Where does the snow data for Darkhorse Lake come from?
Snowpack depth, SWE, snowfall, and air temperature come from the NRCS SNOTEL station 436. 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 Darkhorse Lake report
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