Idaho, 2023

Heavy Snow and Winter Weather in Idaho, December 9 to 10, 2023

December 9 to 10, 2023 · NWS MSO · 2 events in 2 counties and zones

A significant plume of moisture moved into the region, producing heavy snow in the higher elevations of north-central Idaho. Light freezing rain also occurred in some of the lower elevations.

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it; 2 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.

  • Tornadoes
  • Tropical storms and surge
  • Floods
  • Wind
  • Hail
  • Winter weather
  • Heat and drought
  • Cold
  • Fire, smoke and dust
  • Marine and coastal
  • Other

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The toll

Deaths
0
Injuries
0
Property damage
None recorded
Crop damage
None recorded
Events
2

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS MSO wrote it up.

A significant plume of moisture moved into the region, producing heavy snow in the higher elevations of north-central Idaho. Light freezing rain also occurred in some of the lower elevations.

The radar

The national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

1 winter weather, 1 heavy snow. Local standard time, as filed.

Winter Weather, Orofino / Grangeville Region

When
December 9, 7:00 PM PST to December 10, 1:00 PM PST
Where
Orofino / Grangeville Region forecast zone
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
46.259, -115.562 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A mix of light snow and freezing rain fell, leading to slick roadways. Gusty winds combined with the falling precipitation decreased visibility. The public reported slick road conditions and multiple accidents along Highway 95 between Whitebird Hill and Grangeville.

Heavy Snow, Northern Clearwater Mountains

When
December 9, 8:00 PM PST to December 10, 9:00 PM PST
Where
Northern Clearwater Mountains forecast zone
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
46.674, -115.657 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Heavy wet snow occurred with 10 inches reported in Headquarters and Pierce. A report of 11 inches was received from Elk River. Roads were snow covered across the area.

What these are

Winter Weather
Snow, sleet or freezing rain below warning levels that still caused disruption, damage or casualties.
Heavy Snow
Snowfall reaching the local warning threshold without the other hazards of a winter storm.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

More

Every storm in Idaho in 2023Every state in 2023This day in weather historyWarnings in Idaho, December 2023

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-30. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 1147262, 1147261.