UTAH SNOW REPORT
December 21 2024
| Statewide Snowpack |
96.0%
Of Normal |
| Coldest Location |
32°
Nohrsc 13H05 - George Creek |
| Top 5-Day Forecast |
10"
Hardscrabble |
| Deepest Snowpack |
29"
Nohrsc Atwater |
Utah's winter landscape continues to offer a mixed bag of conditions for snow enthusiasts, with snowpack depths varying significantly across the state. The Nohrsc Atwater area near Salt Lake City sees a modest snowpack of 29 inches, but a light decrease in the last 24 hours suggests change is in the air. Skiers and snowboarders can anticipate a fresh 7 inches of snow over the next five days, with nearby ski resorts like Brighton poised to benefit from the pending snowfall. In contrast, southern regions like Beaver Divide remain less fortunate, with a snowpack of just 8 inches, though the upcoming forecast offers a glimmer of hope with a predicted 3 inches of new snow.
Major ski destinations such as Snowbird and Park City are keeping a keen eye on the sky, as the former expects 7 inches and the latter areas near Canyons - Daybreak are set to receive a similar accumulation. However, not all is bleak for the more parched locales; the Nohrsc Dry Fork region near Tooele anticipates a significant snow forecast of 7 inches, a boon for local snowpack levels. As the state braces for the new snow, residents and visitors alike should prepare for varied conditions, from the potential for replenished slopes to areas where snowpack drought continues to challenge winter sports and water supply forecasts.
About Utah
Snowpack conditions in Utah vary across different mountain ranges, contributing to the state's water supply. The Wasatch Range, located along the eastern edge of the state, is a major source of snowfall. The Uinta Mountains, located in northeastern Utah, also contribute to snow accumulation. Snowmelt from these ranges feeds into various rivers and watersheds, including the Provo River, Weber River, and Bear River.
Utah's snowpack is influenced by the region's winter climate characteristics, which include cold temperatures, frequent snowstorms, and the occasional influence of the "lake-effect" from the Great Salt Lake. The snowpack is typically deepest in February and begins to melt in the spring, supplying water for agriculture, drinking water, and recreation.
Interesting facts about snow science in Utah include the establishment of the first avalanche forecasting center in the United States at Alta Ski Area in 1953. Additionally, Utah's mountains have been an important site for snow research, with scientists studying snow crystal formation, snow density, and snowpack stability.