Salt Lake City, Utah, typically a premier destination for world-class skiing, is currently experiencing the least amount of snowfall for a winter on record. According to Matthew Johnson, a Salt Lake City-based meteorologist, the disparity is staggering. While the average snowfall for this point in the winter is 28.2 inches, a measly 0.1 inches has fallen in Salt Lake City.
The primary culprit of this less-than-stellar snowfall this winter is the unseasonably warm temperatures. Salt Lake City has experienced its warmest November and December on record. This January is also on track to be the 7th warmest on record. This concerning pattern is directly impacting the tourism and outdoor recreation industries synonymous with the region.
While the Salt Lake City snowfall is hurting, the surrounding ski resorts are not faring much better. Park City Mountain, just a short 30-mile drive outside of the city, is also feeling the effects of the low snowfall. With just 83 inches of snow falling this season and a 41-inch base depth, Park City has yet to open 100% of its terrain this year. But Park City is not alone in this struggle; other major resorts are also navigating the challenges of this La Niña winter.
Brighton Resort is in a similar situation, having received just 67 inches of snowfall but retaining 67 inches of base depth. Deer Valley Ski Resort, the luxurious skier-only resort, is similarly hurting with only 85 inches of snowfall and a paltry 30-inch base depth. While other resorts, such as Alta Ski Area, Snowbird, and Solitude Mountain Resort, have eclipsed the 100-inch mark, they are still well below their averages.
While the situation in Salt Lake City and the surrounding area ski resorts is bleak, let’s hope that this winter’s “second act” makes up for the current situation. The city and ski resorts, in years past, have had strong closes to the year with intense snow systems coming through and gifting us with precious snow. For now, residents and tourists alike will break for the better and deliver the snow to the places that need it most.
Should we keep praying for snow like our fearless leader told us…
That picture is clearly mid-summer. All the deciduous trees in the foreground have leaves on them. Granted it’s a shitty year, why mislead your readers?
The photo you posted is literally from end of summer