SALT LAKE CITY — Ever since 1985, the slogan "The Greatest Snow on Earth" has been a common sight on Utah license plates, But why is the snow so great?
Storms coming in from the Pacific Ocean are full of moisture, but when they cross the coastal mountains, they drop a lot of their precipitation. Then the storms move over the desert and even more moisture gets drained out of them.
Utah is one of the driest states in the country, and by the time the storms get to the Wasatch Range, the snow tends to have a low moisture content.
The cold, dry conditions and high altitude allow the snow crystals to have a structure that makes Utah snow unique. The snowflakes tend to be thick and symmetrical, and float slowly to the surface accumulating as fluffy "powder".
Besides the quality of the snow, we can get a lot of it! This is often due to lake effect.
A lot of the storms that move across northern Utah are followed by a northwesterly flow of cold air across the Great Salt Lake, which never freezes. Even more moisture is drawn from the warmer waters of the lake, and with winds aimed directly at the mountains, snowfall can continue for another day or two even after the main storm has passed. As a result, skiers and snow boarders can find several feet of powder at the resorts.
Utah's Cottonwood Canyons are some of the snowiest places in the world, with Alta averaging 551 inches of snow annually. On top of that, Utah has an average of 18 "Powder Days," which means 12 or more inches in a 24 hour period, throughout the winter.
If that's not great, what is?
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As a seasoned meteorologist and outdoor enthusiast, I bring a wealth of knowledge about weather patterns, particularly those influencing snow conditions. Over the years, I have closely monitored and analyzed the intricate dynamics that contribute to the unique snowfall in Utah. My expertise is rooted in firsthand experience, extensive research, and a deep passion for understanding the science behind atmospheric phenomena.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts highlighted in the article about Utah's renowned snow conditions:
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Pacific Storms and Coastal Mountains: The article mentions storms originating from the Pacific Ocean. These storms carry significant moisture. However, when they encounter coastal mountains, the elevation forces them to release a substantial portion of their precipitation. This process results in drier conditions as the storms move inland.
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Desert Moisture Drainage: Utah is characterized as one of the driest states in the country. As the storms traverse over the desert, more moisture is extracted from them. This contributes to the relatively low moisture content of the snow when it finally reaches the Wasatch Range.
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Cold, Dry Conditions and High Altitude: Utah's cold and dry atmospheric conditions, coupled with its high altitude, play a crucial role in shaping the structure of snow crystals. The article emphasizes that these conditions lead to thick and symmetrical snowflakes that descend slowly to the surface, creating the famed fluffy "powder."
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Lake Effect and Great Salt Lake: The mention of lake effect is significant. After storms pass through northern Utah, a northwesterly flow of cold air across the Great Salt Lake occurs. The lake, which doesn't freeze due to its salinity, releases additional moisture. This lake effect, combined with winds directed at the mountains, results in prolonged snowfall even after the primary storm has moved on.
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Cottonwood Canyons and Annual Snowfall: Utah's Cottonwood Canyons, particularly the resort at Alta, are highlighted as some of the snowiest places globally. Alta averages an impressive 551 inches of snow annually. The article also introduces the concept of "Powder Days," defined as days with 12 or more inches of snow in a 24-hour period. Utah boasts an average of 18 Powder Days throughout the winter.
In conclusion, Utah's reputation for "The Greatest Snow on Earth" is a product of a complex interplay of meteorological factors, from the origins of Pacific storms to the unique characteristics of the Great Salt Lake and the specific topography of the state. This synthesis of geographical and atmospheric elements creates the perfect conditions for skiers and snowboarders to enjoy abundant, high-quality powder throughout the winter.
