LOCAL NEWS

Utah’s mountain snowpack reaches milestone. How close is it to the record?

Mar 6, 2023, 4:01 PM

FILE: With days of back-to-back snowfall and changing conditions mean some of Utah's avalanche expe...

FILE: With days of back-to-back snowfall and changing conditions mean some of Utah's avalanche experts have their eyes on potential closures. (KSLTV)

(KSLTV)

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah’s mountain snowpack has surpassed 20 inches for the first time since 2019 and only the eighth time over the past 25 years, as storms continue to push this year’s total up into the record books.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service listed the statewide snow water equivalent figure at 20.8 inches of water on Monday, gaining a little more than 4 inches over the past two weeks. The current snowpack is the highest it has been at any point since the 2016-2017 snow collection season peaked at 21.1 inches on March 9, 2017.

Can 2023 break the all-time record?

This year marks the 14th year that Utah’s snowpack has reached 20 inches or more since the agency began tracking mountain snowpack during the 1980-1981 water year, according to its data. Given the long-range outlook, this year has the potential to be one of the state’s wettest since the records were first kept.

The record high remains 26 inches, set on April 13, 1983. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox took notice, tweeting Monday that the current snowpack is actually higher than it was in early March 1983, as well as some of the other notable snowpack years since 1980.

“We are currently behind (1997), but that year had fewer spring storms. Still, multiple storms in the forecast!” he tweeted. “This is one to remember.”

This graphic shows Utah's snowpack on Monday morning (black) next to the record-high 1983 snowpack (teal). A series of storms in March and April helped pump the statewide snowpack to 26 inches by April 13, 1983.
This graphic shows Utah’s snowpack on Monday morning (black) next to the record-high 1983 snowpack (teal). A series of storms in March and April helped pump the statewide snowpack to 26 inches by April 13, 1983. (Photo: Natural Resources Conservation Service)

The year 1983 took the record because its snowpack jumped 7.3 inches from March 6 to its peak near mid-April. Of course, that year is remembered most for severe flooding; however, that’s because storms kept the statewide figure above 25 inches before it melted in a matter of weeks after May 20, 1983.

It’s still too early to know if this year will also result in flooding, though communities across the state are already preparing for that potential.

Salt Lake City and county officials began releasing additional water from reservoirs in Parleys Canyon because the projected water total in the spring runoff far exceeds the amount needed to refill Little Dell Reservoir. Weber County leaders are checking to make sure all their drainage systems are clear to ensure there is nothing that blocks the snowmelt and causes flooding.

Even if 2023 doesn’t topple 1983, it’s still likely to land among the 10 best Utah snowpacks on record. It only needs 0.5 inches to crack the current top 10, according to Natural Resources Conservation Service data.

  1. 1983: 26 inches
  2. 1982: 25.5 inches
  3. 1984: 25.2 inches
  4. 2011: 24.3 inches
  5. 1997: 23.7 inches
  6. 2005: 23.6 inches
  7. 1993: 22.4 inches
  8. 1986: 22.1 inches
  9. 2006: 22 inches
  10. 1998: 21.3 inches

More snow this week

Breaking into the top 10 could happen in the next few days, as Utah remains in an active storm pattern. There are “multiple” storms in Utah’s seven-day forecast, says KSL meteorologist Brett Benson.

This week’s storms are the result of a low-pressure system stalled off the coast of Washington and Oregon. While Benson said the system will “basically die out,” it’s allowing for an atmospheric river to form below it, pushing a series of storms into northern California that will ultimately move through Utah as they travel east over the next few days.

“We’re just lining up storms in this flow,” he said. “A series of storms will continue to work into (Utah) this week.”

The first of those impacted the Wasatch Front region Sunday night and Monday morning. Snow showers are also possible in northern Utah on Tuesday morning and Wednesday evening. Another storm system is expected to impact the state on Friday and Saturday, reaching into southern Utah, as well. That system is expected to provide a mix of rain and snow.

The storms are also boosting snow depth totals at resorts. Alta Ski Area, for example, reported Monday that it has now received nearly 640 inches of snow this season. Benson said it and other neighboring resorts may begin to start pushing 700 inches this season by the end of the week because of the storms.

Full seven-day forecasts for areas across Utah can be found online, at the KSL Weather Center.

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

Matt Gephardt working with Bona Rose on the CarChex documents....

Matt Gephardt and Sloan Schrage, KSL TV

Get Gephardt: West Valley woman says her extended car warranty claim was denied unfairly

Many drivers buy an extended auto warranty to cover unexpected repair bills. But when a West Valley City woman turned to her warranty provider for major help on her car's transmission, they turned her down - repeatedly.

10 hours ago

Moments before a Salt Lake City woman is hit by a white car in the Avenues....

Eric Cabrera, KSL NewsRadio, Garna Mejia and Michael Houck, KSL TV

Doorbell camera captures another hit-and-run in Salt Lake City

New doorbell camera shows bystanders rushing to save a woman who may be another victim of an alleged serial hit-and-runner.

11 hours ago

A view of the West Temple and 200 South intersection in Salt Lake City....

Michael Houck

A major downtown Salt Lake City intersection will close from April to May

Starting April 1, the West Temple and 200 South intersection will be closed as crews replace natural gas lines.

12 hours ago

Researchers gathered in a Weber State University room for a Air Quality Summit....

Mike Anderson

Air Quality Summit puts focus on Utah air pollution and solutions

Many of the researchers who study Utah's air pollution problems are sharing what they've found while working to find solutions during Thursday's Air Quality Summit.

13 hours ago

Keith Stebbings (right) confronting Loren Richardson (left) after Richardson allegedly entered his ...

Shelby Lofton

‘He wasn’t intending to hurt anybody’: Brighton homeowner attorney says snowboarder confrontation was a misunderstanding

The Brighton man armed with a gun while confronting a snowboarder in a viral video is now facing criminal charges. But his attorney says he had the right to protect his property.

14 hours ago

Follow @KSL5TVLike us on Facebook...

Eliza Pace

VIDEO: Watch the moment a UHP trooper stops a 12-year-old driving on the freeway

Utah Highway Patrol responded to a call of a reckless driver. They didn't know until after they stopped the car that it was a 12-year-old driver.

15 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.

Utah’s mountain snowpack reaches milestone. How close is it to the record?