How deep does the snow get in Yellowstone?

Snowfall in Yellowstone National Park is among the heaviest in the continental United States, but its depth varies dramatically depending on elevation and geography. Some regions experience only a few inches at a time, while others remain buried under several feet of snow for months. Understanding these differences is essential for visitors planning winter trips and for appreciating how snow shapes Yellowstone’s unique ecosystem.

Quick Reference: Average Snow Depth by Area in Yellowstone National Park

Area / Region	Elevation (Approx.)	Average Annual Snowfall	Typical Snow Depth (Mid-Winter)	Notes / Visitor Info
Mammoth Hot Springs	6,200 ft	60–80 inches	1–2 feet	Light snow due to geothermal warmth; roads often remain open.
Lamar Valley	6,500–7,000 ft	100–120 inches	2–4 feet	Moderate to deep snow; prime for winter wildlife watching.
Yellowstone Lake / Hayden Valley	7,700 ft	200–300 inches	5–7 feet	Among snowiest regions; access limited to snowcoach/snowmobile.
Old Faithful / Upper Geyser Basin	7,350 ft	150–200 inches	4–6 feet	Deep snow but geothermal heat melts some patches near geysers.
West Thumb / Grant Village	7,800 ft	250–300 inches	5–8 feet	Heavy accumulation; most roads closed to vehicles.
Dunraven Pass / Absaroka Mountains	8,800+ ft	300+ inches	8–10+ feet	Deepest snow in Yellowstone; drifts can last into late spring.
Gardiner to Cooke City Corridor (North Entrance Road)	5,300–6,000 ft	40–70 inches	Few inches to 1 foot	Road plowed year-round; main winter driving route.

In the Mammoth Hot Springs area, which lies near the park’s northern entrance and sits at a lower elevation (around 6,200 feet), the snow depth is relatively modest compared to the rest of the park. On average, Mammoth receives about 60 to 80 inches of snowfall annually, with snow depths rarely exceeding 1 to 2 feet on the ground at any given time. The area’s slightly warmer temperatures and geothermal activity often melt snow faster, leaving patches of exposed grass and soil even in midwinter.

Moving toward the Yellowstone River Valley and Lamar Valley, snow becomes deeper and more persistent. These valleys are slightly higher in elevation and receive more frequent storms. By mid-winter, the snow here typically reaches depths of 2 to 4 feet, blanketing the meadows where bison and wolves roam. The Lamar Valley remains a popular destination for wildlife watchers even in winter, and its snow-covered plains create a striking contrast against the dark forests and rugged ridges.

The Yellowstone Lake and Hayden Valley region lies at the heart of the park and is among the snowiest areas in Yellowstone. With elevations above 7,700 feet, the region regularly receives 200 to 300 inches of snow each year. Snow depths can reach 5 to 7 feet by late winter, and drifts often become even higher due to strong winds sweeping across the open lake basin. This deep snow isolates the region during the colder months, making it accessible only by snowmobile or snowcoach.

In the Old Faithful and Upper Geyser Basin area, snow also piles up significantly, often ranging from 4 to 6 feet deep. Despite the heavy accumulation, the constant geothermal heat from the geysers and hot springs melts snow locally, creating steaming pockets of open ground surrounded by deep white snowbanks. These contrasting scenes make this area particularly photogenic during the winter season.

Further south, around the West Thumb and Grant Village area, snowfall is intense, with depths often reaching 5 to 8 feet at their peak. The higher elevation and consistent cold temperatures ensure that snow remains packed and icy throughout the season. Access to this area is limited during winter, with most roads closed to regular vehicles.

At the park’s highest points, such as Dunraven Pass and the Absaroka Mountains, snow reaches its most extreme depths. These areas, sitting above 8,800 feet, can accumulate over 10 feet of snow during a harsh winter. Winds sculpt massive snowdrifts that can linger well into late May or early June, long after lower regions have begun to thaw. This deep snow contributes to spring runoff, feeding Yellowstone’s rivers and sustaining the park’s lakes and waterfalls.

In contrast, the Gardiner to Cooke City corridor, which includes the North Entrance Road that remains open all year, has lighter snow accumulation. The lower elevation and consistent plowing keep the road accessible, with typical snow depths ranging from just a few inches to a foot along the roadside.

Overall, Yellowstone’s snow depth ranges from as little as one foot in the lower valleys to more than ten feet in the mountains. The variation creates a diverse winter landscape—from lightly dusted geothermal basins to snow-choked passes that remain untouched for months. These incredible snow depths define Yellowstone’s winter character, shaping both the ecosystem and the visitor experience.