Madison Butte Snow Report
Madison Butte at a glance
How the snowpack at Madison Butte looks right now, where the station sits on the map, and its key details.
Madison Butte 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 Oregon at an elevation of 5,150ft, where the air temperature is about 84°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 Madison Butte is expected to hold near today's 0.0 inches of snow-water equivalent, toward roughly 0.0 inches by 2026-07-25.
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.
Madison Butte
Madison Butte, located in the Madison Range Mountains of southwestern Montana, boasts an elevation of 9,820 feet and an average annual snowfall of 200 inches. The average peak snowpack for the area is around 150 inches, making it an ideal destination for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. The nearby ski resorts of Big Sky and Moonlight Basin are popular among locals and tourists alike.
In recent years, climate trends have shown a decrease in overall snowpack levels, with warmer temperatures leading to earlier snowmelt and decreased water availability. This has significant impacts on downstream rivers, creeks, and reservoirs, including the Madison River and Hebgen Lake. These waterways are vital for local agriculture, hydroelectric power, and recreational activities like fishing and boating.
The hydrology of the Madison Butte area is also influenced by the surrounding geology, with the porous limestone and karst formations leading to complex underground water flow patterns. Understanding and monitoring these hydrological systems is crucial for maintaining the delicate balance of water resources in the region.
1. Hiking: There are several hiking trails near Madison Butte, such as the Chimney Rock Trail and the Tumalo Mountain Trail. These trails offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and are suitable for all skill levels. 2. Mountain biking: The Phil's Trail Complex is a popular mountain biking destination near Madison Butte. The trails range from beginner to advanced and offer a thrilling ride through the forested terrain. 3. Rock climbing: Smith Rock State Park, located a short drive from Madison Butte, is a world-renowned rock climbing destination. With over 1,800 climbing routes, ranging from easy to challenging, this park offers something for climbers of all skill levels. 4. Fishing: The Deschutes River, which flows near Madison Butte, is known for its excellent fly fishing opportunities. Anglers can try their luck catching trout, steelhead, and salmon in the river's pristine waters. 5. Camping: There are several campgrounds in the area, such as Tumalo State Park and Skull Hollow Campground, where visitors can pitch a tent or park an RV and enjoy the great outdoors. These campgrounds offer amenities such as picnic tables, fire pits, and restrooms. Overall, outdoor enthusiasts near Madison Butte, Oregon, have a variety of recreational activities to choose from, including hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, fishing, and camping. Each activity offers a unique way to experience the natural beauty of the region and is sure to provide an unforgettable outdoor adventure.
Nearby snowpack depths
Cross-check whether Madison Butte's snowpack is a one-off accumulation or a regional storm cycle.
| Station | Snowpack |
|---|---|
| Madison Butte | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Madison Butte | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Arbuckle Mtn | 0 in |
| Arbuckle Mtn | 0 in |
| Heppner | 0 in |
| Lucky Strike | 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 Madison Butte in the Snoflo app
Save this station as a favorite, set push alerts when snowfall crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Madison Butte reports 6″ new"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment the SNOTEL station crosses.
About Madison Butte
Where does the snow data for Madison Butte come from?
Snowpack depth, SWE, snowfall, and air temperature come from the NRCS SNOTEL station 608. 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 Madison Butte report
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