Winter Weather Advisory
2026-02-20T09:00:00-06:00

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 1 and 4 inches, with the highest amounts northwest of a Marengo to Cedar Rapids to Monticello line. Drifting and some blowing snow. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph leading to greatly reduced visibility in falling snow. * WHERE...Portions of northwest Illinois and east central Iowa. * WHEN...Until 9 AM CST this morning. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday morning commute. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.


Chestnut Mountain Resort Ski Report

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Last Updated: February 20, 2026

Chestnut Mountain Resort in Illinois offers 19 trails ranging from beginner to expert, with the best trails being Sundance and Smokey.



Summary

No new snow to report today, with snowpack levels sitting at 0". Snowpack levels for this time of year average around 3 inches, but can be as high as 15 inches. Weather today, a slight chance of rain before 4pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 4pm and 5pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 5pm. increasing clouds, with a high near 51. light northeast wind becoming east 5 to 10 mph in the morning. winds could gust as high as 20 mph. chance of precipitation is 60%. Up to 3" of more snowfall forecasted over the next 5 days.



0"

Past 24 Hours

0"

Snowpack

°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity


15-Day Snow Forecast


Snowfall Accumulations

Snowpack Percent Normal

0%

Max Recorded Snowpack

15"

Snowfall Past 24 Hours

0.0"

Snowfall Next 24 Hours

0"

Snowfall Next 72 Hours

3"

Snowfall Next 5 Days

3"

Terrain Surface

NA

Powder Score

NA
       

5-Day Hourly Forecast Detail

Seasonal Comparison

Year over year snow water equivalent


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 Elizabeth.

Regional Snowpack Depth

Snow levels measured from Elizabeth


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 Chestnut Mountain Resort.

Historical Air Temperature

Temperature fluctuations at Chestnut Mountain Resort


Recent air temperature fluctuations at Chestnut Mountain Resort impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.

About the Area


The Chestnut Mountain Resort is located in Illinois and is part of the Mississippi River Valley. The resort is situated in the hilly terrain of the Driftless Area, a region known for its rugged limestone bluffs and deep valleys.

The ski resort is situated along the Mississippi River and offers views of the river valley and surrounding bluffs. The main mountain range at Chestnut Mountain Resort is the Galena Ridge, which is known for its challenging slopes and scenic vistas.

Other notable mountain aspects at Chestnut Mountain Resort include the Cedar Bluff and Eagle's Nest runs, which offer steep terrain and stunning views of the surrounding area. The resort also features a variety of beginner and intermediate runs, making it suitable for skiers of all levels.

Overall, the mountain ranges and aspects of Chestnut Mountain Resort provide a unique and picturesque setting for skiing and snowboarding in Illinois.

As an interesting historical fact, the resort was started by a group of Swiss investors in the 1950s. For beginners, it is recommended to try the Easy Street and Bunny trails. The best apres ski bar is The Summit, located at the top of the mountain, offering stunning views and live music on weekends. Overall, Chestnut Mountain Resort is a great option for skiing in the Midwest.

Night Skiing

Yes

Lift Count

9 Lifts

Hourly Lift Capacity

10000 per hour

Base Elevation

172 Meters

Terrain Park

Yes

Acreage

146 Acres

Established

1959

Run Count

19 Trails

Chestnut Mountain Resort FAQ


Where does our Chestnut Mountain Resort snow data come from?

This snow report combines on-mountain observations, regional SNOTEL sensors, and weather model data specific to Chestnut Mountain Resort and the surrounding region.


How much snow did Chestnut Mountain Resort receive over the past day?

The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.


What's the weather like at Chestnut Mountain Resort today?

Weather today, a slight chance of rain before 4pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 4pm and 5pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 5pm. increasing clouds, with a high near 51. light northeast wind becoming east 5 to 10 mph in the morning. winds could gust as high as 20 mph. chance of precipitation is 60%.


How much new snowfall is forecasted for Chestnut Mountain Resort this week?

Chestnut Mountain Resort is expected to receive up to 2.75" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.