Utah’s record snow is so deep it buried measuring equipment

Mar 24, 2023, 5:43 PM | Updated: Nov 1, 2024, 1:06 pm

SALT LAKE CITY — The record-breaking snowfall this winter has been phenomenal, maybe even more so in the eyes of those who study it closely.  

The director of the Snow Hydrology Research to Operations Lab at the University of Utah said she could have never predicted that her equipment at the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon would ever be buried by snow.  But that’s exactly what happened. 

“The snow really has not stopped,” said McKenzie Skiles, an assistant professor at the University of Utah, and head of the Snow Hydrology Research to Operations Lab. “This winter we’ve just been getting storm after storm after storm, and we have finally just matched the record for peak snow water equivalent that was set in 83.“

That record was later eclipsed in the afternoon. We caught up with her today in the midst of a snow squall, which seemed like the perfect setting.

“I don’t think you ever see a season like this coming,” Skiles said. “You kind of experience it as it’s coming through, and we didn’t know even a few weeks ago, that it was going to be record-setting.“

Skiles and her team have installed instrumentation at the Atwater Study Plot, across from Alta Ski Resort, to study the processes that control snow accumulation and snow melt. 

A photo taken at the plot last summer with her graduate students from the snow hydro lab shows them standing next to the towering equipment, surrounded by green grass.  Another pic taken yesterday shows the top of the equipment sticking out of the snow. 

Greatest snow on Earth: Utah’s snowpack hits record high

“We are at the deepest that we’ve ever been,” Skiles said. “We are over 4m, which is 13 1/2 feet of snow. The snow just actually just hit the instrumentation platform. Which means that currently all of our instrumentation is buried.“

She said they will work to get that equipment back above the snow.

“It’s never been deeper. We’re setting records there, and across the state of Utah.”

The water in that snowpack is as good as gold for our communities. 

“If you were to melt all of that snow out, the water level would actually be up to about their shoulders.“

Skiles pointed out that even this phenomenal year won’t solve all of our water problems. But we can certainly be grateful for this one and hope for more big ones in the future.

KSL 5 TV Live

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.

49 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.

1 hour 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.

1 hour ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Tom Holmoe On Decision To Retire As BYU’s AD, What’s Next

BYU AD Tom Holmoe discussed the end of a 20-year run overseeing Cougar athletics.

1 hour 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.

2 hours ago

...

Keira Fairmont and Alex Cabrero, KSL TV

Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics: Bridging Olympic history and future

In one year, athletes will be playing in the Winter Games in Italy, and KSL TV got a look at one of the new ski jumps that will be used.

2 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.

Utah’s record snow is so deep it buried measuring equipment