Spirit Lake Snow Report
Spirit Lake at a glance
How the snowpack at Spirit Lake looks right now, where the station sits on the map, and its key details.
Spirit Lake 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 3,520ft, where the air temperature is about 60°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.
Spirit Lake
Spirit Lake, WA is located at an elevation of 3,900 feet in the Cascade Range. The area receives an average annual snowfall of approximately 400 inches, with an average peak snowpack of around 120 inches. Nearby ski resorts include Mount St. Helens Ski Area and White Pass Ski Area, which benefit from the heavy snowfall. Climate trends in the area show a slight increase in temperatures, which may impact the snowpack and water resources downstream. Spirit Lake feeds into the North Fork Toutle River, which eventually flows into the Columbia River, providing important water resources for agriculture and urban areas. Additionally, Spirit Lake is a crucial component of the hydrology of the area, acting as a reservoir for water that can help mitigate downstream flooding. Understanding the complex and interconnected hydrology of the region is crucial for the management of water resources and the sustainability of the surrounding ecosystems.
1. Hiking: Spirit Lake offers a variety of hiking trails for all skill levels. One popular trail is the Harmony Falls Trail, which leads to a beautiful waterfall and offers stunning views of the surrounding forests and mountains. 2. Fishing: Spirit Lake is a great spot for fishing, with plenty of opportunities to catch trout, bass, and other freshwater fish. Anglers can fish from the shore or rent a boat to explore the lake's waters. 3. Camping: There are several campgrounds near Spirit Lake that offer a chance to experience the beauty of the area up close. Campers can enjoy the peaceful surroundings, go hiking, and roast marshmallows around a campfire. 4. Boating: Visitors can rent kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards to explore Spirit Lake and take in the scenic views. Boating is a relaxing way to spend a day on the water and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. 5. Wildlife viewing: Spirit Lake is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, and birds. Visitors can go for a leisurely walk or hike and keep an eye out for these animals in their natural habitat. Overall, Spirit Lake offers a wide range of outdoor recreational activities for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy.
Nearby snowpack depths
Cross-check whether Spirit Lake's snowpack is a one-off accumulation or a regional storm cycle.
| Station | Snowpack |
|---|---|
| Spirit Lake | 0 in |
| Spirit Lake Tunnel Outlet On S Coldwater Crk | 0 in |
| Sheep Canyon | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Sheep Canyon | 0 in |
| Swift Creek | 0 in |
| Swift Creek | 0 in |
Recreation near Spirit Lake
Ski areas, reservoirs, paddle runs, campgrounds, and fishing access within driving distance.
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 Spirit Lake in the Snoflo app
Save this station as a favorite, set push alerts when snowfall crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Spirit Lake reports 6″ new"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment the SNOTEL station crosses.
About Spirit Lake
Where does the snow data for Spirit Lake come from?
Snowpack depth, SWE, snowfall, and air temperature come from the NRCS SNOTEL station 777. 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 Spirit Lake report
Create your free account to track this — and everything else you love outdoors.
- Custom alerts — get pinged the moment conditions change
- Save favorites — every river, lake, snowpack & resort in one place
- Full history & forecasts — plus the free iPhone app