Signal Peak snow report
Signal Peak at a glance
How the snowpack at Signal Peak looks right now, where the station sits on the map, and its key details.
Signal Peak 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 New Mexico at an elevation of 8,360ft, where the air temperature is about 69°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.
For real-time and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other stations in the New Mexico 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.
Signal Peak
Signal Peak, located in the Sacramento Mountains of New Mexico, boasts an elevation of 9,423 feet and receives an average annual snowfall of 120 inches. Its average peak snowpack is around 50 inches. The nearby ski resorts include Ski Apache and Ruidoso Winter Park, which offer a wide range of winter sports and activities for visitors. Climate trends indicate that snowfall is decreasing in the region due to global warming, however, this decrease in snowpack may have different impacts on downstream hydrology constituents including the Rio Ruidoso, which flows through the town of Ruidoso and eventually feeds into the larger Pecos River system. Reservoirs such as Bonito Lake and Grindstone Lake are critical water sources for the local community, and their levels are often dependent on snowmelt from Signal Peak and other nearby mountains. Therefore, understanding the snowpack conditions on Signal Peak is important for determining the water supply for downstream users and ecosystems.
1. Hiking: Signal Peak is located in the Gila National Forest, which offers numerous hiking trails for all skill levels. One popular hiking trail near Signal Peak is the Signal Peak Trail, which is a challenging 9-mile round trip hike that offers stunning views of the surrounding area. 2. Camping: There are several campgrounds near Signal Peak, such as the Signal Peak Campground and the Emory Pass Campground. These campgrounds offer a peaceful and scenic setting for camping under the stars. 3. Mountain biking: The Gila National Forest has several mountain biking trails that are popular among outdoor enthusiasts. The Signal Peak area offers a variety of trails with varying levels of difficulty, making it a great destination for mountain biking. 4. Bird watching: Signal Peak and the surrounding area are home to a wide variety of bird species, making it a popular destination for bird watching. Bird watchers can spot species such as golden eagles, hummingbirds, and various songbirds while exploring the area. 5. Rock climbing: The rugged terrain near Signal Peak provides opportunities for rock climbing and bouldering. Climbers can explore the cliffs and rock formations in the area for a challenging and exhilarating outdoor adventure. 6. Fishing: Nearby lakes and streams offer opportunities for fishing, with species such as trout and bass available. Anglers can enjoy a peaceful day fishing in the scenic surroundings near Signal Peak. Overall, Signal Peak and the surrounding area offer a wide range of outdoor recreational activities for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy.
Nearby snowpack depths
Cross-check whether Signal Peak's snowpack is a one-off accumulation or a regional storm cycle.
| Station | Snowpack |
|---|---|
| Signal Peak | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Signal Peak | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Mcknight Cabin | 1 in |
| Mcknight Cabin | 0 in |
| Buckhorn | 0 in |
| Lookout Mountain | 0 in |
Recreation near Signal Peak
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 Signal Peak in the Snoflo app
Save this station as a favorite, set push alerts when snowfall crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Signal Peak reports 6″ new"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment the SNOTEL station crosses.
About Signal Peak
Where does the snow data for Signal Peak come from?
Snowpack depth, SWE, snowfall, and air temperature come from the NRCS SNOTEL station 755. 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 Signal Peak report
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