Snow on the ground · updated daily
Central Oregon Snow Depth Map
See how much snow is on the ground right now across Bend, Sisters, Sunriver, Mt. Bachelor and the Cascade passes. The map starts from NOAA's daily 1 km snow analysis and adjusts it for terrain, so buttes, ridges and canyons show their own depths.
How the map is made. NOAA's SNODAS analysis gives snow depth and snow water on a 1 km grid each day. For each square, we measure how depth changes with elevation across the surrounding 7 km and use that to spread the square's snow over terrain at about 110 m detail. The result is an estimate: drifts, plowing, shade and forest cover can change depth over a few feet.
Looking for snow that hasn't fallen yet? See the Oregon snow forecast. For a typical winter, see the snow heat map.
Snow depth FAQ
Common questions about the Central Oregon snow depth map
Where does this snow depth map come from?
It uses SNODAS, NOAA's daily snow analysis for the United States. SNODAS combines a snow model with measurements from snow stations, weather observers, aircraft and satellites on a 1 km grid. NOAA posts each day's analysis early in the morning, valid as of 10 PM the night before.
How does the map account for elevation?
Snow depth in Central Oregon changes quickly with elevation. For every 1 km SNODAS square, the map looks at the surrounding 7 km to see how depth rises with elevation, then spreads that square's snow across the terrain inside it at about 110 m detail. Ridges and buttes get a little more snow and canyon bottoms a little less, while the 1 km average stays the same.
How accurate is it in Bend?
It is a good guide to where snow is and roughly how deep, not a measurement for your yard. In the February 2019 storm it showed about 21 inches in Bend, while volunteer observers around town measured 22 to 32 inches. In January 2024 it showed about 15 inches against measured depths near 12 inches. Wind drifts, plowed piles, shade and tree cover all change depth over short distances.
How often does it update?
Once a day. NOAA publishes SNODAS around 6 AM Pacific, and this page picks it up shortly after. The SNOTEL station markers show depth measured by automated mountain snow stations at the same time, so you can compare the map with real measurements.
What do the lines on the map mean?
They work like contour lines on a topographic map, except they trace snow depth instead of elevation. Solid lines mark the main depths. Zoom in and dashed lines appear in between, down to every inch around town, so you can follow how snow deepens toward the west side of Bend or up a butte.
Is this a forecast?
No. It shows snow already on the ground. For snow that is on the way, use the Oregon snow forecast map, and check ODOT TripCheck before you drive over a pass.