OutsideDB  ·  Data Driven Insight

Backcountry Analytics

Guides and data explainers for skiers, snowmobilers, anglers, and foragers who want to make smarter decisions before they leave the trailhead.

Latest Articles
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Data Guide
How to Read SNOTEL Data for Backcountry Trip Planning
SNOTEL stations record snow water equivalent, depth, temperature and precipitation every hour across 800+ sites in the western US. Here's how to interpret that data to make smarter go/no-go decisions before you skin up.
March 2026  ·  8 min read
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Data Guide
Snow Water Equivalent Explained
SWE is the single most useful snowpack metric for backcountry skiers. Here's what it means, how it's measured, and why it matters more than depth.
January 2026  ·  4 min read
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Dashboard Guide
How to Get the Most Out of the OutsideDB Snow Dashboard
A full walkthrough of snow.outsidedb.com — the map, station table, accumulation slider, NWS point forecasts, home location, and British Columbia stations.
March 2026  ·  5 min read