Lake Creek R.S. Snow Report
Lake Creek R.S. at a glance
How the snowpack at Lake Creek R.S. looks right now, where the station sits on the map, and its key details.
Lake Creek R.S. reports 0.0″ of new snowfall today, raising snowpack levels to 2 inches. Snowpack depth is 60% of normal, which is below normal for this time of year. The mountain is perched in Oregon at an elevation of 5,240ft, where the air temperature is about 81°F right now.
Seasonal average snowpack on this calendar day is 3 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 Lake Creek R.S. 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 Oregon 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.
Lake Creek R.S.
Lake Creek R.S. is situated in the Sawtooth Mountains of central Idaho. This region experiences a continental climate, which results in dry, cold winters and warm, wet summers. The average annual snowfall at Lake Creek R.S. is approximately 200 inches, with an average peak snowpack of around 70 inches in mid-March. The mountain ranges around Lake Creek R.S. are a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts, with nearby ski resorts including Sun Valley and Soldier Mountain. The hydrology of this area is influenced by the nearby Salmon River, which provides water for irrigation, recreation, and hydropower generation. Climate change is expected to have a significant impact on snowpack and water availability in this region, with warmer temperatures leading to earlier snowmelt and more frequent droughts. Understanding the complex interplay between climate, snowpack, and hydrology is critical for managing water resources in this region.
1. Hiking: Lake Creek R.S. is surrounded by numerous hiking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests. One popular hike is the Lake Creek Trail, which follows the creek and leads to beautiful waterfalls and scenic overlooks. Another favorite is the Tam McArthur Rim Trail, which offers panoramic views of the Cascade Range. 2. Fishing: Lake Creek R.S. is located near several rivers and streams that are ideal for fishing. Anglers can try their luck at catching trout, steelhead, or salmon in the nearby Metolius River or the Deschutes River. There are also opportunities for fly fishing in the numerous mountain lakes in the area. 3. Camping: Lake Creek R.S. itself offers camping opportunities, with campsites available for both tents and RVs. Additionally, there are several other campgrounds in the area, such as the Cold Springs Campground and the Allen Springs Campground, which provide a more rustic camping experience surrounded by nature. 4. Mountain biking: The area surrounding Lake Creek R.S. is home to numerous mountain biking trails that cater to riders of all skill levels. One popular trail is the Peterson Ridge Trail System, which offers a variety of loop options through pine forests and open meadows. For more advanced riders, the McKenzie River Trail offers a thrilling downhill ride through old-growth forests and along the scenic McKenzie River. 5. Bird watching: Lake Creek R.S. is a great spot for bird watching, with a variety of habitats that attract a wide range of bird species. Bird watchers can keep an eye out for species such as osprey, bald eagles, woodpeckers, and various songbirds. The nearby Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery is also a great place to observe waterfowl and other bird species.
Nearby snowpack depths
Cross-check whether Lake Creek R.S.'s snowpack is a one-off accumulation or a regional storm cycle.
| Station | Snowpack |
|---|---|
| Lake Creek R.S. | 2 in |
| Nohrsc Lake Creek R.S. | 3 in |
| Blue Mountain Spring | 0 in |
| Blue Mountain Spring | 0 in |
| Rock Springs | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Rock Springs | 0 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 Lake Creek R.S. in the Snoflo app
Save this station as a favorite, set push alerts when snowfall crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Lake Creek R.S. reports 6″ new"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment the SNOTEL station crosses.
About Lake Creek R.S.
Where does the snow data for Lake Creek R.S. come from?
Snowpack depth, SWE, snowfall, and air temperature come from the NRCS SNOTEL station 563. 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 Lake Creek R.S. report
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