* WHAT...Stagnation conditions will trap pollutants, leading to deteriorating air quality, particularly in lower elevations and valleys. * WHERE...Orofino/Grangeville Region, Southern Clearwater Mountains, and Northern Clearwater Mountains. * WHEN...Until 4 PM PST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Periods of air stagnation can lead to the build up of pollutants near the surface.
A brisk 21.7°F greeted skiers this morning on Bald Mountain, Idaho (not to be confused with Sun Valley), but the slopes are still feeling the sting of a lean snow season. Bald Mountain ski resort in Idaho offers 2,000 acres of skiable terrain, with 62 runs and 12 lifts.
Wind
Humidity
With just 5 inches of snowpack—over 70% below average—the mountain is holding on thanks to cooler overnight temps and a touch of resilience in the higher terrain. Snow Water Equivalent sits at 1.7 inches, and while no significant new snowfall has been recorded in the last 24 hours, light flurries are forecasted for late evening, offering a glimmer of hope for fresh coverage. Those heading out should expect firm, fast conditions with exposed terrain in lower elevations—rock skis recommended for off-piste explorations.
In local developments, forest restoration efforts are gaining momentum on the Olympic side of Bald Mountain, signaling positive environmental shifts even as snow remains scarce. Despite the thin base, skiers and riders are reminded to remain vigilant: recent headlines from nearby resorts include fatal accidents and safety reconsiderations. Though Bald Mountain currently lacks the artificial snow capabilities of its Sun Valley neighbor, a potential La Niña pattern brings cautious optimism for more snow through late January. Until then, bring your edge—and your awareness—to every run.
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 Pierce R.S..
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 Bald Mountain (Not Sun Valley).
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Bald Mountain (Not Sun Valley) impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
Bald Mountain, also known as Sun Valley Resort, is located in the Sawtooth National Forest in Idaho. The pertinent mountain ranges and aspects of the ski resort include:
1. Pioneer Mountains: Bald Mountain is part of the Pioneer Mountains range, which is known for its rugged peaks and alpine terrain.
2. Smoky Mountains: The Smoky Mountains are located to the east of Bald Mountain, providing stunning views and additional skiing opportunities.
3. Bald Mountain Summit: The summit of Bald Mountain reaches an elevation of 9,150 feet, offering skiers and snowboarders expansive views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
4. North Aspect: Bald Mountain has a north-facing aspect, which helps to preserve the quality of the snow and provide excellent skiing conditions throughout the season.
5. South Aspect: In contrast, the south-facing aspect of Bald Mountain offers more sun exposure and can provide warmer conditions for skiing and snowboarding.
Overall, the mountain ranges and aspects of Bald Mountain contribute to its reputation as one of the premier ski resorts in Idaho, offering a variety of terrain for all levels of skiers and snowboarders.
The resort is known for its challenging runs, including the Olympic and Christmas Bowl. However, there are also options for beginners, such as the Roundhouse beginner area. One interesting historical fact is that Bald Mountain was originally developed by the Union Pacific Railroad as part of their Sun Valley resort, but it later became a separate entity. For apres ski, Warm Springs Lodge offers a lively atmosphere with live music, food, and drinks. Overall, Bald Mountain offers a mix of challenging terrain and beginner-friendly areas, making it suitable for skiers of all levels.
Night Skiing | No |
Lift Count | 2 Lifts |
Base Elevation | 1138 Meters |
Acreage | 140 Acres |
Run Count | 10 Trails |
Top Elevation | 1341 Meters |
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, patchy freezing fog before 8am. sunny, with a high near 38. calm wind.
Ski enthusiasts can look forward to fresh powder in various parts of the country as the latest snowfall tallies and forecasts indicate some promising conditions. In the state of Washington, the Nohrsc Sawmill Ridge has reported 2 inches of new snow over the past 24 hours, and while this may not seem like a significant amount, it maintains a decent ... Read more