Alpine Meadows Snow Report
Alpine Meadows at a glance
How the snowpack at Alpine Meadows looks right now, where the station sits on the map, and its key details.
Alpine Meadows reports 0.0″ of new snowfall today, raising snowpack levels to 1 inches. Snowpack depth is 5% of normal, which is very low for this time of year. The mountain is perched in Washington at an elevation of 3,500ft, where the air temperature is about 80°F right now.
Seasonal average snowpack on this calendar day is 23 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 Alpine Meadows 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 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.
Alpine Meadows
Alpine Meadows, WA is located in the North Cascades mountain range, with elevations ranging from 3,000 to 8,000 feet. The average annual snowfall is approximately 350 inches, with an average peak snowpack of 100 inches. The nearby ski resorts of Stevens Pass and Mt. Baker Ski Area are heavily reliant on the consistent snowpack that the North Cascades provide. Climate trends show an increase in winter precipitation and temperature, leading to a longer snowmelt season and potential for increased avalanche danger. The hydrology of the region is vital, with downstream rivers and creeks providing water for agriculture, industry, and recreation. Reservoirs such as Ross Lake and Diablo Lake play a crucial role in regulating water flow and providing hydroelectric power for the region. As such, monitoring and management of the snowpack in the North Cascades is critical for the ecological and economic sustainability of the area.
1. Hiking: Alpine Meadows is surrounded by beautiful trails that offer stunning views of the Cascade Mountains. Some popular trails include the Heather-Maple Pass Loop, Blue Lake Trail, and Cutthroat Pass Trail. These hikes vary in difficulty and length, making them suitable for hikers of all skill levels. 2. Camping: There are several campgrounds near Alpine Meadows that offer a peaceful and scenic setting for a night under the stars. Some popular campgrounds in the area include the Silver Star Campground and the Early Winters Campground. These campgrounds provide easy access to hiking trails and other outdoor activities. 3. Fishing: Alpine Meadows is located near several lakes and rivers that offer excellent fishing opportunities. Some popular fishing spots include Lake Wenatchee, Fish Lake, and the Methow River. Anglers can expect to catch a variety of fish species, including trout, bass, and salmon. 4. Mountain Biking: The surrounding area of Alpine Meadows offers a variety of mountain biking trails for all skill levels. The Sun Mountain Trail System and the Cutthroat Creek Trail are popular options for mountain bikers looking to explore the rugged terrain and beautiful scenery of the Cascade Mountains. 5. Birdwatching: Alpine Meadows is home to a diverse array of bird species, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers. Some common bird species that can be spotted in the area include bald eagles, osprey, and various species of hawks and owls. The nearby Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest is a great place for birdwatching enthusiasts to explore and observe these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat.
Nearby snowpack depths
Cross-check whether Alpine Meadows's snowpack is a one-off accumulation or a regional storm cycle.
| Station | Snowpack |
|---|---|
| Alpine Meadows | 1 in |
| Nohrsc Alpine Meadows | 1 in |
| Skookum Creek | 0 in |
| Skookum Creek | 0 in |
| Alpentalski Area Nwac | 0 in |
| Stevens Pass - Grace Lakes | 6 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 Alpine Meadows in the Snoflo app
Save this station as a favorite, set push alerts when snowfall crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Alpine Meadows reports 6″ new"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment the SNOTEL station crosses.
About Alpine Meadows
Where does the snow data for Alpine Meadows come from?
Snowpack depth, SWE, snowfall, and air temperature come from the NRCS SNOTEL station 908. 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 Alpine Meadows report
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