Surprise Lakes Snow Report
Surprise Lakes at a glance
How the snowpack at Surprise Lakes looks right now, where the station sits on the map, and its key details.
Surprise Lakes 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 Washington at an elevation of 4,290ft, where the air temperature is about 78°F right now.
Seasonal average snowpack on this calendar day is 13 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 Surprise Lakes 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.
Surprise Lakes
Surprise Lakes, located in the North Cascades mountain range of Washington state, boasts an elevation of 4,700 feet. With an average annual snowfall of 380 inches, it is no surprise that the peak snowpack averages around 15 feet. This snowpack feeds into the nearby Stevens Pass Ski Resort and also contributes to downstream hydrology constituents such as the Miller River, Tye River, and Lake Wenatchee. Climate trends in the area suggest an increase in winter precipitation but a decrease in snowpack due to warming temperatures. This has implications for the water supply in the region as the snowpack acts as a natural reservoir, slowly melting throughout the warmer months. It is important to continue monitoring and managing the snowpack in Surprise Lakes for the health of the surrounding ecosystem and nearby communities.
1. Hiking: Surprise Lakes, WA offers several hiking trails that provide stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. One popular trail is the Surprise and Glacier Lakes Trail, which is a moderate 7.2-mile round trip hike that takes you past two beautiful alpine lakes. 2. Fishing: Surprise Lakes is a great spot for fishing, with plenty of opportunities to catch trout and other freshwater fish. Anglers can try their luck at fishing in the lakes or nearby streams, such as the Snoqualmie River. 3. Camping: Camping is a popular outdoor activity near Surprise Lakes, with several campgrounds located in the surrounding area. Campers can enjoy the peaceful surroundings and natural beauty of the area while staying overnight in tents or RVs. 4. Kayaking and Canoeing: The calm waters of Surprise Lakes are perfect for kayaking and canoeing. Paddlers can explore the lakes and surrounding waterways, taking in the scenic views and wildlife along the way. 5. Mountain Biking: Mountain biking is a popular outdoor activity near Surprise Lakes, with several trails in the area that cater to all skill levels. Riders can enjoy challenging climbs and thrilling descents through the forested terrain. 6. Wildlife Watching: Surprise Lakes is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, bears, and birds. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy spotting these animals in their natural habitat while hiking, camping, or exploring the area.
Nearby snowpack depths
Cross-check whether Surprise Lakes's snowpack is a one-off accumulation or a regional storm cycle.
| Station | Snowpack |
|---|---|
| Surprise Lakes | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Surprise Lakes | 0 in |
| Pepper Creek | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Pepper Creek | 1 in |
| Nohrsc Spencer Meadow | 0 in |
| Spencer Meadow | 0 in |
Recreation near Surprise Lakes
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 Surprise Lakes in the Snoflo app
Save this station as a favorite, set push alerts when snowfall crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Surprise Lakes reports 6″ new"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment the SNOTEL station crosses.
About Surprise Lakes
Where does the snow data for Surprise Lakes come from?
Snowpack depth, SWE, snowfall, and air temperature come from the NRCS SNOTEL station 804. 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 Surprise Lakes report
Create your free account to track this — and everything else you love outdoors.
- Custom alerts — get pinged the moment conditions change
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- Full history & forecasts — plus the free iPhone app