...ATMOSPHERIC RIVER TO BRING SIGNIFICANT MOUNTAIN SNOW... .A plume of subtropical moisture associated with an atmospheric river will bring significant mountain snow Thursday into Friday. Snow levels will rise above 5,000 feet Thursday night before quickly dropping Friday morning as strong cold front passes. The heaviest snow accumulations will impact higher elevations above 6,000 feet, especially across the Clearwater and Bitterroot Mountains. * WHAT...Snow expected. There is a likelihood of moderate to isolated major winter weather impacts. Total snow accumulations of 8 to 14 inches in the higher elevations, including Lolo Pass. Total accumulations of 3 to 7 inches across lower elevations. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph. * WHERE...Dixie, Elk City, and Highway 12 Lowell to Lolo Pass. * WHEN...From noon today to 10 AM PST Saturday. * IMPACTS...For MODERATE winter weather impacts, expect disruptions to normal activities. Hazardous traveling conditions. Use extra caution while driving. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow levels will briefly rise above 5,000 feet Thursday night before dropping below 3,000 feet Friday morning as a cold front passes.
A brisk morning greeted Mount Pandora today, December 18, with an overnight low of 18.5°F and a fresh inch of new snow softening the trails. Mount Pandora Ski Resort in Idaho offers a variety of trails for skiers of all levels.
Wind
Humidity
The current snowpack stands at 15 inches—significantly below average—but conditions remain rideable across groomed runs. With a snow water equivalent of 4.6 inches, coverage is holding steady, though off-piste terrain remains thin and not recommended. Snowmakers have been working overnight to bolster base levels, ensuring smoother runs for holiday skiers.
Looking ahead, skiers and snowboarders can rejoice: a promising system is moving in, bringing 3 inches of snow in the next 24 hours and up to 14 inches by early next week. This incoming storm could rejuvenate the base and open more terrain just in time for the winter rush. No major local headlines mean the slopes are clear of interruptions—just pure mountain bliss. Bundle up, stay safe on variable sections, and enjoy the quieter slopes before the snowstorm brings the holiday crowd.
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 Mountain Meadows.
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 Mount Pandora.
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Mount Pandora impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
Mount Pandora Ski Resort in Idaho is situated in the Sawtooth Mountains, which are part of the Rocky Mountains range. The resort offers a variety of ski runs with different mountain aspects, including north-facing slopes, south-facing slopes, east-facing slopes, and west-facing slopes. These different aspects provide a range of ski terrain for all ability levels, from beginner to advanced skiers and snowboarders.
Beginner skiers should check out the gentle slopes of the Bunny Hill, while advanced skiers will enjoy the challenge of the steep and narrow trails on the backside of the mountain. Interestingly, Mount Pandora was named after the Greek mythological character Pandora, who was said to have opened a box releasing all the world's evils. Few people know that the mountain was named after a local schoolteacher's daughter who was also named Pandora. After a day on the slopes, skiers can unwind at the cozy and welcoming atmosphere of The Powder Keg, a favorite apres ski hangout that offers live music and delicious food.
Night Skiing | No |
Lift Count | 11 Lifts |
Hourly Lift Capacity | 8000 per hour |
Base Elevation | 1245 Meters |
Terrain Park | Yes |
Acreage | 2750 Acres |
Established | 2010 |
Run Count | 110 Trails |
The ski area received 1" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, snow, mainly after noon. high near 33. south wind 7 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. chance of precipitation is 100%. new snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.
Mount Pandora is expected to receive up to 14.56" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
Idaho is seeing significant snowfall accumulation in central and south-central regions, with the heaviest 5-day forecasts concentrated near ski areas like Vienna Mine (43”), Cool Creek (40”), and Chocolate Gulch (39”). Banner Summit and Atlanta Summit, near the Sawtooth and Boise National Forests, are both expecting 39” of snow this week. Brundage Mountain Resort, adjacent to Bear Basin and Brundage ... Read more