Peterson Meadows snow report
Peterson Meadows at a glance
How the snowpack at Peterson Meadows looks right now, where the station sits on the map, and its key details.
Peterson Meadows 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 7,200ft, where the air temperature is about 73°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.
Peterson Meadows
Peterson Meadows, located in the Bitterroot Mountain Range of Southwest Montana, has an average elevation of 8,000 feet. The area receives an average of 300 inches of snow annually, contributing to an average peak snowpack of 150 inches. Nearby ski resorts, such as Lost Trail Powder Mountain and Montana Snowbowl, benefit from the consistent snowpack.
Climate trends in the area show a warming pattern, with a decrease in snow accumulation and earlier snowmelt. This has implications for downstream hydrology, including the Clark Fork River and Bitterroot River, which rely on snowpack for their water supply.
The snowpack itself is composed of varying hydrology constituents such as water content and snow density. These components affect snowmelt rates and water availability for downstream systems, which include Painted Rocks Reservoir and the West Fork of the Bitterroot Creek. The complex interplay of these factors results in a dynamic snowpack that is essential for both recreational and ecological purposes.
1. Hiking: Peterson Meadows offers numerous hiking trails for all skill levels. One popular trail is the Peterson Meadows Loop, which takes hikers through lush meadows, dense forests, and picturesque mountain views. Hikers can also explore nearby trails such as the Cascade Falls Trail or the South Fork Walla Walla Trail. 2. Mountain Biking: The terrain surrounding Peterson Meadows is perfect for mountain biking enthusiasts. Riders can explore the rolling hills and challenging terrain of the Blue Mountains or take on the Peterson Meadows Mountain Biking Trail. This trail offers a mix of technical sections and fast downhill descents, making it a favorite among local riders. 3. Fishing: Peterson Meadows is a great destination for fishing enthusiasts, with nearby streams and rivers teeming with trout and other freshwater fish. Visitors can try their luck at fishing in the Walla Walla River or the North Fork Touchet River, both of which are known for their abundant fish populations. 4. Bird Watching: Peterson Meadows is a haven for bird watchers, with a variety of avian species calling the area home. Visitors can spot a wide range of birds, including raptors, songbirds, and waterfowl. The Peterson Meadows Bird Observatory is a popular spot for bird watching, offering guided tours and educational programs for enthusiasts of all ages. 5. Camping: For those looking to spend a night under the stars, Peterson Meadows offers several camping options. Visitors can choose from primitive campsites in the surrounding wilderness or stay at the Peterson Meadows Campground, which offers RV hookups and convenient amenities. Camping in Peterson Meadows allows visitors to enjoy the peace and tranquility of nature while being close to outdoor recreational activities.
Nearby snowpack depths
Cross-check whether Peterson Meadows's snowpack is a one-off accumulation or a regional storm cycle.
| Station | Snowpack |
|---|---|
| Peterson Meadows | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Peterson Meadows | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Barker Lakes | 0 in |
| Barker Lakes | 0 in |
| Anaconda 7.4 Nw | 0 in |
| Warm Springs | 0 in |
Recreation near Peterson Meadows
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 Peterson Meadows in the Snoflo app
Save this station as a favorite, set push alerts when snowfall crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Peterson Meadows reports 6″ new"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment the SNOTEL station crosses.
About Peterson Meadows
Where does the snow data for Peterson Meadows come from?
Snowpack depth, SWE, snowfall, and air temperature come from the NRCS SNOTEL station 930. 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 Peterson Meadows report
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