The Natural Resources Conservations Service maintains several sites in the USA to monitor snowfall, moisture content, and a host of other things. They are called the Snotel Sites. For the purposes of snowmobilers, you want to know how much new snow there is before you drive for hours to get here.
Now there is an easy way to know with certainty how much snow there is total and how much is new. The Snotel reporting site leads you to a graphic of the state with dots on it. For Island Park, you’re interested in the two red dots in the upper right corner of Southeast Idaho. The lower of the two dots represents the reporting station at the ranger station at Ponds Lodge. The upper dot represents the reporting station at the state sheds on Sawtell peak.
By checking the lower of the two dots for the Ponds site, you get an idea of what’s happening where you’ll be dropping your trucks and trailers. By clicking on the upper dot you can check the Sawtell site, so you’ll know what to expect up high. Since the sites show average snowfall, temperatures, etc. you’ll be able to have some idea of the current avalanche danger as well.
Check the Snotel sites before you come ride. They’re a great resource and should be near the top in your browser favorites.
Very useful information and helpful links.