LOCAL NEWS

Climatologists: Utah gradually getting less snow, more rain

Feb 19, 2018, 7:33 PM | Updated: 9:04 pm

Kid enjoy sledding hill in Logan...

Kid enjoy sledding hill in Logan

LOGAN – If the last 30 to 40 years are any indication, Utah’s challenges with the water supply for the spring are likely to continue in coming years. In addition, our very snowy season a year ago may prove to be more of a rarity, according to climatologists at the Utah Climate Center, located on the Utah State University campus.

“[It was a] really unusual amount of snowfall that we got,” Climatologist John Meyer said. “When you really dig underneath that a little bit, the pattern itself didn’t really bring a greater frequency of storms, but the storms we did receive last year were really extreme.”

Last year’s larger storms were brought in by what are called atmospheric rivers, or more commonly, pineapple express events, Meyer explained.

Climatologist John Meyer says Utah on gradual trend toward less mountain snowpack

“These events are really a high-moisture-laden air that makes it’s way from the Central Pacific in really narrow bands,” he said. “It’s a river of really humid air.”

In contrast, unusual circumstances are bringing a very different winter this year.

“The jet stream has been shifted farther to the north,” Meyer explained. “Our storm track has been pushed away, and out of Utah’s influence.”

It’s all the more reason to enjoy the snow while we have it. Monday, at Utah State University’s Old Main Hill, crowds of people were taking advantage of the snowy day by sledding.

“It’s awesome to finally get a snowstorm,” Madi Evans said, a student from Washington state. “It’s a mild winter. It’s been boring.”

Friends Justin Cook (left), Madi Evans (center) and Madison Perkins (right) enjoy President’s Day snowfall

Looking at the larger picture, however, Meyer said climatologists have noticed a more concerning pattern over the last several decades, which seems indicative of climate change.

“We’re seeing snow levels ascending up the mountains,” he explained. “Where we’re getting snow packs is decreasing, so we’re getting less and less snow in the valleys and lower elevations.”

In addition, Meyer said the cold seasons are generally shorter, consisting of more rain and less snow. While our current winter, so far, hasn’t been spectacular, he’s still holding out hope for the coming weeks.

“We’re not out of our, sort of our negative story for the season,” he said. “But we’ve certainly not had a good season so far.”

Related:

Amid hundreds of snowy slide-offs, do this, not that

Plan B: Sled instead of ski

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

Follow @KSL5TVLike us on Facebook...

Eliza Pace

Breeze Airways announces new flights out of Provo to Dallas Fort Worth

Getting to the Lone Star State just got easier. Breeze Airways announced a new flights to Dallas Fort Worth from Provo.

12 minutes ago

(KSL TV)...

Andrew Adams

Data shows significant uptick in gas prices over past month in Salt Lake area

Gas prices rose considerably over the past month in the Salt Lake area, according to data from industry watchers.

1 hour ago

A UDOT snowplow clears the road in Big Cottonwood Canyon on Feb. 9. Up to 2 feet of snow or more is...

Carter Williams, KSL.com

Rain, snow to impact many parts of Utah throughout Easter weekend

It might be spring, but winter weather remains in Utah's forecast for Easter weekend as the end of the traditional snowpack collection period nears.

2 hours ago

Man being taken on stretcher to an ambulance figures blurred...

Lauren Steinbrecher

West Jordan man trying ‘to be funny’ allegedly shot and killed best friend

Investigators believe a joke between friends turned into the shooting death of a West Jordan man. The fatal mistake is also turning into a message police hope every gun owner can hear.

13 hours ago

Matt Gephardt meeting with Denis Hawkins after a rental car company after they ignored his calls fo...

Matt Gephardt

Get Gephardt helps Spanish Fork man clear up insurance claim for rental car damage

Get Gephardt clears up an international rental car insurance standstill.

13 hours ago

small housing units...

Debbie Worthen

Utah’s micro-shelter pilot program gets extension to help homeless

A micro-shelter pilot program will stay in place for at least six more months.

13 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Climatologists: Utah gradually getting less snow, more rain