* WHAT...Stagnation conditions will trap pollutants, leading to deteriorating air quality. * WHERE...Lower Hells Canyon/Salmon River Region, Orofino/Grangeville Region, Southern Clearwater Mountains, and Northern Clearwater Mountains. * WHEN...Until noon PST Thursday. * IMPACTS...Periods of air stagnation can lead to the build up of pollutants near the surface.
Snowhaven Ski Area awakens this New Year's Eve with cool overnight temps dipping to 28.9°F, but minimal natural snowfall continues to challenge operations. Snowhaven Ski Area is a small, family-friendly ski resort in Idaho that offers six slopes and two chairlifts.
Wind
Humidity
The snowpack sits at just 0.6 inches—an astonishing 71% below seasonal averages—leaving terrain coverage thin and skiing conditions extremely limited. Currently, no lifts are running and trails remain closed as the resort awaits a much-needed winter storm. Unfortunately, no significant snowfall is forecasted for the next 48 hours, casting uncertainty over the start of the season.
Despite Mother Nature’s delays, the Snowhaven spirit lives on. After months of doubt, the resort is set to open this season thanks to a local lift operator stepping into the general manager role. However, visitors should expect scaled-back amenities, as city officials address ongoing water and septic system issues. For now, guests are encouraged to check for the latest updates before traveling and to consider enjoying Snowhaven’s popular snow tubing area, which may open sooner than ski operations. While the mountain waits for a fresh snowfall, the community's commitment keeps the dream alive.
Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) shows how much water the snow holds. This is ideal for year-to-year tracking of real snowfall and water resources. Measurements from Grangeville 0.2 Ene, Id.
Snowpack depth measures how much snow has accumulated in the area. This is a key indicator of powder quality, trail coverage, and how epic your runs are going to be this season at Snowhaven Ski Area.
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Snowhaven Ski Area impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
The pertinent mountain ranges and aspects of Snowhaven Ski Area in Idaho include:
1. The Clearwater Mountains: Snowhaven Ski Area is located within the Clearwater Mountains, a subrange of the Rocky Mountains in Idaho. The mountains provide a beautiful backdrop for skiing and snowboarding at the resort.
2. Aspect: Snowhaven Ski Area has north-facing slopes, which can receive more consistent snowfall and retain better snow conditions throughout the winter season. The aspect of the slopes also provides shade, which can help preserve the snow quality.
Overall, Snowhaven Ski Area offers a variety of terrain for all levels of skiers and snowboarders, with stunning views of the surrounding Clearwater Mountains.
Its best trail is the Sundance, a beautiful intermediate run that provides amazing views of the surrounding mountains. An interesting fact about Snowhaven is that it was first established in 1937 as a Works Progress Administration project. For beginner skiers, the Bunny Hill is the perfect slope to start with, offering a gentle terrain that is easy to manage. For après ski, The Last Run Inn is the perfect spot to grab a drink and enjoy some live music. Overall, Snowhaven Ski Area is a great destination for those looking for a laid-back and affordable skiing experience.
Night Skiing | Yes |
Lift Count | 2 Lifts |
Hourly Lift Capacity | 700 per hour |
Base Elevation | 1585 Meters |
Terrain Park | No |
Acreage | 40 Acres |
Run Count | 9 Trails |
Top Elevation | 1707 Meters |
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, mostly sunny, with a high near 43. light and variable wind.
Idaho ski conditions are improving this week with significant snowfall expected across the state’s northern and central mountains. The highest 5-day snowfall totals are forecasted in the northern panhandle, with Myrtle Creek and Hidden Lake projected to receive 17" and 16" respectively. Schweitzer Mountain Resort, near Schweitzer Basin (11", 44" snowpack), is set for some of the best conditions in ... Read more