Thunder Basin Snow Report
Thunder Basin at a glance
How the snowpack at Thunder Basin looks right now, where the station sits on the map, and its key details.
Thunder Basin 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 Washington at an elevation of 4,320ft, where the air temperature is about 76°F right now.
For real-time and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other stations in the Washington 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.
Thunder Basin
Thunder Basin is located in the Cascade Range in Washington, with elevations ranging from 4,000 to 7,000 feet. The area receives an average annual snowfall of 400 inches, with an average peak snowpack of 150 inches. Nearby ski resorts, such as Crystal Mountain and Mount Baker, benefit from this abundant snowfall, providing premier skiing and snowboarding experiences. Climate trends in the region show a warming trend, causing concern for the health of the snowpack and downstream hydrology. Thunder Basin feeds into several downstream rivers, including the Green River and White River, which provide water for agriculture and other uses. Additionally, the creek and reservoirs in the area rely on the snowpack for their water supply, making the health of the snowpack a critical concern for the ecosystem of the region.
1. Hiking: Thunder Basin offers numerous hiking trails that provide stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests. Some popular hiking trails include the Thunder Creek Trail, which follows the creek through old-growth forests, and the Thunder Knob Trail, which leads to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking Diablo Lake. 2. Camping: There are several campgrounds in the Thunder Basin area that offer a rustic and secluded setting for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can pitch a tent and enjoy the peaceful surroundings while being close to nature. 3. Fishing: Thunder Basin is home to several lakes and rivers that offer excellent fishing opportunities. Anglers can try their luck at catching rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and kokanee salmon in the pristine waters of Thunder Basin. 4. Birdwatching: The diverse habitats in Thunder Basin attract a wide variety of bird species, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers. Visitors can spot bald eagles, osprey, and various migratory birds throughout the area. 5. Mountain biking: The rugged terrain of Thunder Basin is perfect for mountain biking enthusiasts looking for a challenge. There are several trails that cater to all skill levels, from beginner to advanced riders, allowing cyclists to explore the natural beauty of the area on two wheels. Overall, Thunder Basin offers a wide range of outdoor recreational activities for visitors to enjoy, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Nearby snowpack depths
Cross-check whether Thunder Basin's snowpack is a one-off accumulation or a regional storm cycle.
| Station | Snowpack |
|---|---|
| Thunder Basin | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Thunder Basin | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Park Creek Ridge | 1 in |
| Park Creek Ridge | 1 in |
| Nohrsc Swamp Creek | 0 in |
| Swamp Creek | 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 Thunder Basin in the Snoflo app
Save this station as a favorite, set push alerts when snowfall crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Thunder Basin reports 6″ new"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment the SNOTEL station crosses.
About Thunder Basin
Where does the snow data for Thunder Basin come from?
Snowpack depth, SWE, snowfall, and air temperature come from the NRCS SNOTEL station 817. 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 Thunder Basin report
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