North Rapid Creek Snow Report
North Rapid Creek at a glance
How the snowpack at North Rapid Creek looks right now, where the station sits on the map, and its key details.
North Rapid Creek reports 0.0″ of new snowfall today, raising snowpack levels to 0 inches. Snowpack depth is % of normal, which is very low for this time of year. The mountain is perched in South Dakota at an elevation of 6,130ft, where the air temperature is about 84°F right now.
For real-time and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other stations in the South Dakota 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.
North Rapid Creek
North Rapid Creek is located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, with an elevation range of 3,000 to 5,000 feet above sea level. The snowpack in this area is influenced by the region's unique geography and climate. On average, the Black Hills receive approximately 50 inches of snow annually, with peak snowpack occurring in March-April. The snowpack in North Rapid Creek contributes to the downstream water supply for various creeks, rivers, and reservoirs, including Pactola Reservoir and Rapid Creek. Nearby ski resorts, such as Terry Peak and Deer Mountain, rely on the consistent snowfall for their operations. However, climate trends have shown a decrease in snowfall and an increase in temperature in recent years, which may have implications for the snowpack and downstream water supply. It's essential to monitor these changes to ensure the sustainability and health of the hydrology constituents in the region.
1. Hiking: There are several hiking trails near North Rapid Creek, such as the Old Baldy Trail and the Mystic Trail. These trails offer beautiful views of the surrounding Black Hills and are suitable for hikers of all skill levels. 2. Fishing: North Rapid Creek is known for its excellent fishing opportunities, with a variety of trout species available in the creek. Anglers can try their luck at catching rainbow, brown, and brook trout in the clear waters of the creek. 3. Rock Climbing: The Black Hills offer numerous rock climbing opportunities for enthusiasts of all levels. Near North Rapid Creek, there are several popular climbing spots, such as the Dino Cliffs and Mount Rushmore. 4. Mountain Biking: The Black Hills are a popular destination for mountain biking, with a variety of trails ranging from beginner to advanced. Near North Rapid Creek, cyclists can explore trails like the Centennial Trail and the Dakota Five-0. 5. Camping: There are several campgrounds near North Rapid Creek where visitors can enjoy the great outdoors and experience the beauty of the Black Hills. Campgrounds like Pactola Campground and Sheridan Lake Campground offer scenic views and a chance to relax in nature. Overall, North Rapid Creek and the surrounding Black Hills offer a wide range of outdoor recreational activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you enjoy hiking, fishing, rock climbing, mountain biking, or camping, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this beautiful area.
Nearby snowpack depths
Cross-check whether North Rapid Creek's snowpack is a one-off accumulation or a regional storm cycle.
| Station | Snowpack |
|---|---|
| North Rapid Creek | 0 in |
| Nohrsc North Rapid Creek (Snotel) | 0 in |
| Lead 5.5 Ssw | 0 in |
| Spearfish-10mi.Se | 0 in |
| Blind Park | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Blind Park (Snotel) | 0 in |
Recreation near North Rapid Creek
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 North Rapid Creek in the Snoflo app
Save this station as a favorite, set push alerts when snowfall crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when North Rapid Creek reports 6″ new"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment the SNOTEL station crosses.
About North Rapid Creek
Where does the snow data for North Rapid Creek come from?
Snowpack depth, SWE, snowfall, and air temperature come from the NRCS SNOTEL station 920. 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 North Rapid Creek report
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