S Fork Shields snow report
S Fork Shields at a glance
How the snowpack at S Fork Shields looks right now, where the station sits on the map, and its key details.
S Fork Shields 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 8,100ft, where the air temperature is about 77°F right now.
Seasonal average snowpack on this calendar day is 6 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 S Fork Shields 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.
S Fork Shields
South Fork Shields, MT is located in the Rocky Mountains, at an elevation of approximately 7,000 feet. The region experiences an average annual snowfall of 250 inches, with an average peak snowpack of 100 inches. The nearby ski resorts of Big Sky and Bridger Bowl benefit from the abundance of snow in the region, making it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts.
Climate trends in the area indicate that temperatures have been gradually increasing over the past few decades, which could potentially impact snowpack levels and downstream hydrology. The snowpack in South Fork Shields contributes to the hydrology of the nearby Gallatin River, as well as several smaller creeks and reservoirs in the area.
Overall, the snowpack in South Fork Shields plays a crucial role in supporting local ecosystems and providing water resources for downstream communities. Continued monitoring and conservation efforts will be necessary to ensure the sustainability of the region's hydrology in the face of changing climate patterns.
1. Hiking: There are numerous hiking trails near South Fork Shields, MT, offering a variety of difficulty levels and scenic views. One popular option is the Crazy Mountains Trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and wildlife sightings. 2. Fishing: The Shields River, located near South Fork Shields, MT, is a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts. Anglers can try their luck at catching trout, whitefish, and other species in the crystal-clear waters of the river. 3. Camping: South Fork Shields, MT, offers plenty of camping opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. There are several campgrounds in the area, such as the Shields River Campground, where visitors can enjoy a night under the stars and experience the beauty of the surrounding wilderness. 4. Horseback riding: Horseback riding is a popular activity in the South Fork Shields area, offering visitors a unique way to explore the rugged terrain and scenic landscapes. There are several outfitters in the area that offer guided horseback rides through the mountains and valleys. 5. Wildlife viewing: The South Fork Shields area is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, moose, and bears. Visitors can go on wildlife viewing excursions to catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. 6. Birdwatching: Birdwatching is a popular activity near South Fork Shields, MT, as the area is home to a diverse range of bird species. Birdwatchers can spot bald eagles, osprey, and various migratory birds in the region's forests and wetlands.
Nearby snowpack depths
Cross-check whether S Fork Shields's snowpack is a one-off accumulation or a regional storm cycle.
| Station | Snowpack |
|---|---|
| S Fork Shields | 0 in |
| Porcupine | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Porcupine | 0 in |
| Clyde Park | 0 in |
| Twodot E | 0 in |
| Springdale | 0 in |
Recreation near S Fork Shields
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 S Fork Shields in the Snoflo app
Save this station as a favorite, set push alerts when snowfall crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when S Fork Shields reports 6″ new"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment the SNOTEL station crosses.
About S Fork Shields
Where does the snow data for S Fork Shields come from?
Snowpack depth, SWE, snowfall, and air temperature come from the NRCS SNOTEL station 725. 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 S Fork Shields report
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