Forecast accomplished 6:00 a.m. on December 24, 2024
Abstract
After a horrible begin to the 2024-25 winter, Utah’s snowpack is just about half what we count on for this time of 12 months.
The short-term forecast appears nearly as good because it has all 12 months. A previous storm will influence Utah on Christmas, with follow-up techniques arriving Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Christmas through New 12 months’s Day will function enhancing using situations with mushy new snow and shortly enhancing protection. Weeklong snow totals within the Cottonwoods might exceed 2-3 toes.
The long-range forecast is way more promising than it has been. A usually snowy climate sample is anticipated to final into the start of January.
Snowpack Checkup
I in all probability don’t want laborious knowledge to persuade you of this winter’s abysmal begin, however I’ve some anyway. This map is a wonderful useful resource for checking in on the snowpack, because it offers you entry to SNOTEL knowledge from websites throughout Utah’s excessive terrain.
One website sits at 9,277′ at Snowbird and has been dutifully recording snowpack knowledge since 1990. Knowledge from this website is plotted beneath. As you may see, this season is off to the slowest begin because the website was put up. This website experiences solely 32% of the median Dec. twenty fourth snowpack.
Different websites of curiosity are operating dangerously low, too. Brighton’s SNOTEL (at 8,766′) experiences 47% of the median snowpack for the date. Thaynes Canyon SNOTEL, consultant of Park Metropolis & Deer Valley, can also be posting its slowest begin to winter since observations started in 1989.
Christmas Pow Prospects
We lastly have a number of respectable storms within the forecast.
The primary arrives late Christmas Eve. Mountain snow and valley rain showers start round midnight, with excessive snow ranges falling to just about 5,000 by Christmas morning. This received’t be an enormous snow producer, however all Utah resorts will choose up some new snow, and it received’t be lengthy earlier than the following wave of snowfall strikes in.
One of the best snowboarding/using situations might be discovered on Christmas morning. Snow tapers off by midmorning Wednesday, by which period it’s best to count on the next:
- Alta, Snowbird, Brighton, Solitude: 5-9″
- Park Metropolis & Deer Valley: 4-7″
- Snowbasin, Powder Mountain: 3-5″
- Sundance: 5-8″
- Eagle Level: 4-7″
- Brian Head: 5-7″
- Beaver Mtn: 1-3″
Lengthy Vary Outlook
As talked about, energetic situations will proceed between Christmas and New 12 months. Right here’s a fast & soiled take a look at the following couple of storms:
Thursday
One other quick-hitting wave of snow strikes throughout Utah noon Thursday, largely between 10 a.m. and three p.m., although a number of snow showers might linger into the night. Snow ranges must be close-ish to valley flooring. This received’t be an enormous snow producer, however one other day of improved snowboarding is probably going. Right here’s what it’s best to count on:
- Alta, Snowbird, Brighton, Solitude: 2-4″
- Park Metropolis & Deer Valley: 2-3″
- Snowbasin, Powder Mountain: 2-4″
- Sundance: 1-3″
- Eagle Level: 1-2″
- Brian Head: As much as 1″
- Beaver Mtn: 1-3″
Friday
Snow resumes Friday morning continues all day and ends Friday night time. Winds look slightly stronger on Friday, so don’t be shocked to see gusts to 45 or 50 MPH within the alongside ridgelines.
One other 5-10″ is probably going for the Northern & Central Utah ski areas.
With new snow beginning to pile up and powerful winds all through the day, I count on the hazard of avalanches to rise by Friday. Comply with the avalanche forecast in the event you intend to enterprise into the backcountry.
Saturday – Monday
A bunch of quick westerly move will blast the Western US Saturday by way of Monday, which is able to doubtless carry one other wave or two of accumulating snowfall to the Wasatch.
The primary probability for snow is Saturday-Saturday night time, and it appears very promising. Some mannequin forecasts counsel one other 8-16″ for the Wasatch, however I’m nonetheless fearful it’ll miss to the north. We’ll have to remain tuned however plan to ski Saturday in the event you can.
A chilly entrance will ultimately transfer throughout the area on Monday. I shouldn’t speculate a lot about how a lot snow will fall, however it’s one other probability for a burst of heavy snow.
