MCCALL, Idaho — Skiers rejoice as this week's winter weather brought forward more favorable skiing conditions because of the large amount of snowfall.
McCall's Brundage Mountain ski resort received more snowfall over just a 10-day period than it had the entire month of December. Meanwhile, Tamarack Resort and Boise's Bogus Basin surpassed 80 inches for their summits' total snow depths.
The warm welcome of spring that March would typically bring was replaced with a dumping of snow, making the mountain snow totals "nearly identical to the measurements" from the first week of March last year, according to Brundage Mountain spokesperson April Whitney.
"There is no doubt that these are the best snow conditions of the season," said Whitney.
Snowfall by the Numbers, as of March 5, 2024:
Brundage Mountain - 7,803 feet summit elevation
The latest winter storm that whipped through Idaho brought the mountain's new snow depths to 71 inches (5 feet 9 inches) at the base and 98 inches (8 feet 2 inches) on the upper mountain, according to Brundage Mountain's calculations.
- 9 inches of snow fell at Brundage Mountain in one day, on March 4.
- 36 inches of snow in one week, from Feb. 28 to March 5, the second snowiest week of the 2023/2024 ski season, which was 33 inches from Jan. 5 through Jan. 12.
- 44 inches over a 10-day span, from Feb. 25 to March 5 - totaling more than the entire month of December, which recorded 40 inches of snow.
Tamarack Resort - 7,660 feet summit elevation
According to Tamarack Resort's website, the National Weather Service predicted the summit gained an additional 5 inches of fresh powder Tuesday. The early March storm brought the total snow depth to 82 inches at the summit.
- 10 inches of snow fell at Tamarack Resort's summit and 7 inches at the base in a 24-hour period on March 4.
- 82 inches total depth at summit an 36 inches total snow depth recorded at Tamarack's base.
- Tamarack's annual average snowfall is 211 inches with an average 61 inches snow depth.
Bogus Basin - 7,582 feet summit elevation
Bogus Basin ski resort is assuming additional snowfall of up to 10 inches throughout mid-week, bringing the snow levels to 88 inches total depth, according to Bogus Basin's daily ski and snow report.
- 12 inches of fresh snow fell at Bogus Basin in 24-hour period, on March 4.
- 33 inches of snow fell in one week, from Feb. 28 to March 5.
- Bogus Basin has recorded 207 inches of snowfall for the 2023/2024 season.
Despite all the excitement, resort managers and personnel urge guests to remain cautious while enjoying mountain activities. Be aware that some off-trail routes may have extreme, deep snow that has not been documented, especially around trees.
Idaho ski resort officials also remind the public of how quickly snow conditions can change given sudden temperature drops or bursts.
"We know it's March, but this is no time to pack away those skis and snowboards," Whitney said. "These are the conditions we've been waiting for all season."
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