Challis, ID Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Challis, Custer County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Challis?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 22 days in the Challis/Pahsimeroi Valleys forecast zone and Custer County — the most common reported hazard around Challis, mostly in July and May. Next come flash flooding (9 days) and flooding (8 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 22 | May 2026 | Jul 3, 2008 · $420,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 9 | Sep 2025 | — |
| Flooding | 8 | Jun 2023 | May 1, 2017 · $3.5 million damage |
| High winds | 5 | Mar 2026 | Sep 11, 2024 · $3,000 damage |
| Wildfires | 4 | Aug 2018 | — |
| Excessive heat | 4 | Mar 2026 | — |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 2 | Jan 2023 | — |
| Debris flows | 2 | Aug 2025 | — |
Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, 1996–2026 (the latest year is partial). A "day" is a date with at least one report in the Challis/Pahsimeroi Valleys forecast zone and Custer County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Challis?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KCBX (Boise, ID), about 122 miles southwest. Radar beams climb as they travel, so the height of the lowest scan over town decides how low in a storm the radar can see.
| Radar | Distance | Lowest beam over Challis | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KCBX Boise, ID | 122 mi southwest | 13,100 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KSFX Pocatello, ID | 124 mi southeast | 13,300 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KMSX Missoula, MT | 176 mi north | 23,500 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
Beam height is the center of the 0.5° scan above the radar, with standard refraction. Mountains near a radar can block it further.
Tornado & hail history near Challis
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 1 tornado within 25 miles of Challis. The strongest was an EF0 on April 24, 2008, which touched down about 2 miles north of town.
Hail: 2 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955; the largest was 1.75-inch hail on August 24, 1984.
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center — tornadoes 1950–2025, hail 1955–2025. Distances are to each tornado's track; ratings before February 2007 use the original Fujita scale.
On TALON you get Challis's live radar loop, rain/snow/ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks with arrival times and NWS warnings free; close-up radar and rotation detection are part of TALON Pro.
Challis radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Challis, ID?
KCBX (Boise, ID), about 122 miles southwest. KSFX (Pocatello, ID) is 124 miles away and also covers the area.
Can radar see a tornado near Challis?
Radar can't see the tornado itself, but it shows the rotating storm and, once debris is lofted, a debris signature. Over Challis the lowest scan from KCBX is about 13,100 ft up — limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms.
Is TALON's radar for Challis free?
Yes — the US radar loop, rain/snow/ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and NWS warnings are free in any browser. Close-up radar, rotation detection and longer forecasts are part of TALON Pro.
Should I rely on radar for my safety?
No app replaces official warnings. When the National Weather Service issues a warning for Challis, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Salmon, ID radar 49 mi
- Ketchum, ID radar 57 mi
- Sun Valley, ID radar 57 mi