Cascade Snow Blog

Guides to reading snowpack data, understanding forecasts & planning mountain trips

What Is SNOTEL? A Complete Guide to Snow Telemetry Data

SNOTEL stations are the backbone of snowpack measurement in the western United States. Learn how these automated sensors work, what they measure, and how to interpret the data for skiing, climbing, and water supply forecasting.

Read article →

Understanding Snow Water Equivalent: What SWE Tells You That Snow Depth Can’t

Snow depth gets the headlines, but snow water equivalent is the number that actually matters for water supply, avalanche forecasting, and snow quality. Here’s how to read it and why it’s the metric professionals use.

Read article →

Snoqualmie Pass Snow Depth & Snowpack: A Complete Guide

Snoqualmie Pass is the most-traveled mountain pass in Washington. Learn how to track snow depth using SNOTEL station 788, understand snowpack history, check conditions for skiing at the Summit at Snoqualmie, and plan safe I-90 crossings.

Read article →

Mt Hood Snow Depth & Snowpack: A Complete Guide

Oregon’s tallest mountain is home to the longest ski season in North America. Track snow depth from SNOTEL station 651, understand the data, and check conditions for Timberline Lodge, Mt Hood Meadows, and backcountry climbing.

Read article →

Pacific Northwest Snowpack: A Mountain-by-Mountain Guide

From Mt. Baker’s world-record snowfall to Sun Valley’s dry continental powder, every range in the PNW has its own snowpack character. A data-driven guide to what makes each region different and how to track conditions across 24 mountains.

Read article →