Big Meadow Snow Report
Big Meadow at a glance
How the snowpack at Big Meadow looks right now, where the station sits on the map, and its key details.
Big Meadow 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 Nevada at an elevation of 8,249ft, where the air temperature is about 77°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 Big Meadow is expected to hold near today's 0.1 inches of snow-water equivalent, toward roughly 0.1 inches by 2026-07-24.
For real-time and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other stations in the Nevada 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.
Big Meadow
Big Meadow, NV is located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range at an elevation of 7,500 feet. This area receives an average annual snowfall of 350 inches, with an average peak snowpack of 140 inches. Nearby ski resorts include Heavenly and Kirkwood, which utilize the abundant snow for winter recreation. Climate trends suggest that snowfall patterns are becoming less predictable, with more frequent and severe droughts in recent years. The snowpack in Big Meadow serves as an important source of water for downstream rivers, including the Carson River and the Truckee River. These rivers provide critical irrigation water for agricultural use and drinking water for urban areas, as well as supporting important fish populations. Additionally, snowmelt from the Sierra Nevada mountains feeds into reservoirs such as Lake Tahoe, which is an important source of drinking water for surrounding communities. It is essential to monitor and manage the snowpack in Big Meadow to ensure reliable water supplies for surrounding areas.
1. Hiking: Big Meadow is surrounded by a number of scenic hiking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and meadows. Some popular trails include the Big Meadow Trail, which loops around the meadow, and the Tahoe Rim Trail, which offers panoramic views of Lake Tahoe. 2. Fishing: The nearby Truckee River is a popular spot for fishing, with numerous opportunities to catch trout, bass, and other freshwater fish. Anglers can also try their luck at nearby Donner Lake or Stampede Reservoir. 3. Mountain Biking: The rugged terrain around Big Meadow is perfect for mountain biking, with trails ranging from beginner-friendly to advanced. The Donner Lake Rim Trail and the Emigrant Trail are popular options for riders of all skill levels. 4. Camping: Big Meadow itself offers camping opportunities, with several campgrounds in the area. For a more remote camping experience, visitors can explore the surrounding National Forest land and find a secluded spot to pitch a tent or park an RV. 5. Wildlife Viewing: Big Meadow is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and other native species. Birdwatchers can spot a wide range of species in the area, while photographers can capture stunning shots of the natural beauty that surrounds the meadow. Overall, Big Meadow offers a wide range of outdoor recreational activities for visitors to enjoy, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Nearby snowpack depths
Cross-check whether Big Meadow's snowpack is a one-off accumulation or a regional storm cycle.
| Station | Snowpack |
|---|---|
| Big Meadow | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Big Meadow | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Reno 2.4 Ssw | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Reno 1.4 Nne | 0 in |
| Boca | 0 in |
| Mt Rose Ski Area | 1 in |
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 Big Meadow in the Snoflo app
Save this station as a favorite, set push alerts when snowfall crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Big Meadow reports 6″ new"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment the SNOTEL station crosses.
About Big Meadow
Where does the snow data for Big Meadow come from?
Snowpack depth, SWE, snowfall, and air temperature come from the NRCS SNOTEL station 340. 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 Big Meadow report
Create your free account to track this — and everything else you love outdoors.
- Custom alerts — get pinged the moment conditions change
- Save favorites — every river, lake, snowpack & resort in one place
- Full history & forecasts — plus the free iPhone app