LOCAL NEWS

After year of high snowpack, Utah Avalanche Center released findings from the season

Jun 25, 2024, 5:47 PM

After an above-average year for snow totals, the Utah Avalanche Center has released a report detail...

After an above-average year for snow totals, the Utah Avalanche Center has released a report detailing findings and statistics. (KSL Chopper 5)

(KSL Chopper 5)

SALT LAKE CITY — After a year of above-average snowpack, the Utah Avalanche Center has released a report detailing findings and statistics from the 2023-2024 season.

In the report, Director Mark Staples and Executive Director Chad Brackelsberg emphasized the quantity and quality of snow over the past season.

“Utah experienced another exceptional snowpack this winter. Following the historic snowfall of the 2022-2023 season, we saw 131% of the average snowfall,” they said.

According to the report, the season began October 11, when the first storms arrived and dropped 1-2 feet around the state, a shallow start to the season.

That momentum was largely carried until mid-January, when “snowfall returned around the second week of January and the proverbial wheels fell off the bus,” with over 300 slides recorded statewide.

This storm triggered slides across the state, due to a poor snowpack structure, caused by a high-pressure system turning the existing snowpack into “a thick layer of weak, faceted, sugary snow,” according to the report.

From January on, conditions improved and riders found “some of the best and safest conditions of the season as (February) progressed,” the report states. Another key point of the summary was that higher-than-average temperatures after storms were a noted pattern, enabling “powder-ruining heat,” and 50 people being caught in avalanches in the Salt Lake zone.

Toward the end of the season, on May 5-7, the largest snowstorm to hit the Central Wasatch Mountain region since 1986 arrived, dropping enough powder to provide 3.4 inches of Snow Water Equivalent, ranging from 14 to 25 inches of snow at resorts.

Following that storm, on May 9, three skiers were caught in a 500-foot wide avalanche, killing 23-year-old Andrew Cameron and 32-year-old Austin Mallet.

During the season, the Center emphasized education, providing 32 classes to 379 attendees.

This amounted to over 3,000 hours of instruction, across courses covering avalanches, terrain management, and a motorized backcountry class for snowmobilers and snow-bikers.

Class openings for the 2024-2025 season will be posted in August 2024.

In addition to the 124 professional observers that the Center employs, the community is encouraged to submit avalanche observations through the Center’s observation portal.

According to the report, “the Observation Explorer provides easy access to data that was otherwise very difficult to access,” providing riders with over 24,000 observations and reports. The report states that over 1,800 avalanches were observed statewide, with 356 human-triggered avalanches.

To underline the report, the Center announced the departure of Mark Staples, after 9 seasons. Paige Pagnucco, a 19-year veteran of the Center, replaced Staples. “I am thrilled to continue promoting avalanche safety and am looking forward to focusing my efforts on the avalanche forecasting program. Most importantly, I feel deeply privileged to collaborate with the exceptional staff at the Utah Avalanche Center, supported by an incredibly dedicated Board of Directors,” Pagnucco said.

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

SAN LEANDRO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 30: New Kia cars are displayed on the sales lot at San Leandro Kia on...

Shelby Lofton

Kias in North Salt Lake now the target of vehicle break-ins, thefts

Another Utah neighborhood is being targeted for vehicle thefts.

28 minutes ago

FILE (Getty Images)...

Daniel Woodruff

Some DUI convicts in Utah may have ‘no alcohol sale’ stamped on ID under new bill

A proposal in the Legislature would require certain Utahns convicted of DUI to carry a special driver’s license stating they are not allowed to buy alcohol.

54 minutes ago

commercial driver's license...

Daniel Woodruff

Santaquin police sergeant’s death prompts proposal to tighten commercial driver’s license rules

HB375 would not allow someone to receive a commercial driver’s license in Utah if they have been convicted in the last three years of certain crimes.

59 minutes ago

Stansbury Park Elementary students...

Karah Brackin

Stansbury Park Elementary students raise $2,000 for Red Cross Salt Lake

At Stansbury Park Elementary, students are proving a small change makes a big change in the lives of those impacted by California wildfires.

1 hour ago

Tom Cram, the police chief for the Kanab Police Department in 2019....

Daniel Woodruff

Kanab police chief pleads guilty after hitting pedestrian

Kanab Police Chief Thomas Cram pleaded guilty after hitting a pedestrian.

3 hours ago

Salt Lake City Police Chief Mike Brown...

Michael Houck

Mike Brown will step down as Salt Lake City police chief

The Salt Lake City police chief will retire after nearly three decades at the police department. 

3 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

luxury living room with a classic white sofa and sofa, interior design...

Lighting Design

Revisiting home lighting trends for 2025

Looking for inspiration to revamp your home lighting? This article outlines some of the emerging lighting trends for 2025.

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

After year of high snowpack, Utah Avalanche Center released findings from the season