National Weather ServiceIdahoWinter Storm WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Winter Storm Watches in Idaho
The National Weather Service issued 18 winter storm watches for Idaho in 2025 and 29 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 9th most of any state. 2026 through September: 5, 68% below the average of 16 for those months in 2008-2025. Central Panhandle Mountains was covered most often (115 times since 2008).
How many winter storm watches does Idaho get?
Every winter storm watch that covered part of Idaho. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 5 |
| 2025 | 18 |
| 2024 | 30 |
| 2023 | 24 |
| 2022 | 37 |
| 2021 | 19 |
| 2020 | 21 |
| 2019 | 32 |
| 2018 | 24 |
| 2017 | 26 |
| 2016 | 24 |
| 2015 | 22 |
| 2014 | 30 |
| 2013 | 16 |
| 2012 | 36 |
| 2011 | 22 |
| 2010 | 30 |
| 2009 | 51 |
| 2008 | 59 |
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
When in the year does Idaho get them?
Sum of 2008-2025; the busiest month is labelled.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
Where in Idaho?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Panhandle Mountains | 115 | 14 | January 6, 2026 |
| Northern Panhandle | 109 | 6 | January 6, 2026 |
| Southern Clearwater Mountains | 95 | 16 | April 2, 2026 |
| Northern Clearwater Mountains | 86 | 13 | January 6, 2026 |
| Sawtooth Mountains | 77 | 0 | March 17, 2018 |
| Big and Little Wood River Region | 76 | 0 | March 17, 2018 |
| Upper Snake Highlands | 67 | 0 | March 1, 2018 |
| Boise Mountains | 63 | 10 | December 18, 2025 |
| West Central Mountains | 63 | 10 | December 18, 2025 |
| Wasatch Mountains/Idaho Portion | 60 | 0 | March 1, 2018 |
| Caribou Highlands | 57 | 0 | March 1, 2018 |
| Camas Prairie | 52 | 11 | December 18, 2025 |
The NWS issues these products for counties or forecast zones; a zone can be part of a county or a mountain range.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
What is a winter storm watch?
A winter storm watch means a significant winter storm is possible in the coming days. A watch means the conditions for the hazard are possible or favourable, but it is not yet happening: be ready to act if a warning follows. The national record · Every warning type in Idaho.