Heavy Snow — Northern Clearwater Mountains, Idaho

2022-12-20 · Northern Clearwater Mountains, Idaho

Event narrative

Clearwater County road officials reported 18 inches of snow in Cardiff, with snowfall rates exceeding one inch per hour. Elk River received around 10 inches of snow, with mountain sites, such as Elk Butte Snotel picking up at least 12 inches.

Wider weather episode

A strong upper level jet and Pacific moisture brought multiple hours of heavy snow rates and difficult travel across the Clearwater Mountains. South wind gusts up to 50 mph developed ahead of a cold front in Grangeville and vicinity. Heavy snow briefly developed in Grangeville and vicinity as the cold front passed.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1063152. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.