snowbird snow report

snowbird snow report

Snowbird Ski Resort: The Ultimate Snow Report Guide

1. Introduction

Annually, millions of people travel for business and leisure to destinations all around the world. From Minneapolis to the sandy beaches of Aruba, people see a multitude of weather conditions and have a strong interest in knowing exactly what the weather will be like at their destination. All of these travelers gear their excitement or dissatisfaction to the weather, knowing that a rainy forecast could put a damper on their day at the beach, while 3 feet of fresh powder would result in the best ski trip of the season. Nowadays, millions “prepare” for the weather by going online and accessing one of the many weather websites available. However, they have no idea what kind of weather they’re really expecting to experience. Many of these weather websites use only rehearsed statistical model output to generate their forecasts. They then give a very broad over-generalization of the actual weather, not really taking into account the local effect of the weather or the day-to-day changes. People then bring a ski jacket to Aruba because the weather website told them it would get to 60 degrees, not knowing that the temperature was anywhere from 55 to 75 degrees throughout the day. This really underlined the need to develop something more specific, which brings us to how the snow report was founded.

2. Current Snow Conditions

I will assess the current snow conditions and existing settlement to ascertain what avalanche problems, if any, exist. The potential avalanche problem can be estimated by snow stability, avalanche occurrence and distribution, and existing snowpack. This information is essential in identification of possible avalanche terrain and route selection later in the planning process. Once this is complete our plans can be fine-tuned, yet still remain flexible, in response to the observed conditions. A decision to cancel or modify the trip may be necessary if the conditions are unfavorable. This recent trip up Brohm Ridge, located just north of Whistler, provides a good example of a decision to modify a trip. With the forecast of heavy snowfall and high freezing levels the night before, we nearly postponed the trip due to expected storm slab and wet snow avalanche problems. After considering our enthusiasm for the trip, the favorable weather forecast for the trip day and the knowledge that it is a quick trip back to the cars if conditions deteriorate, we opted to continue with the trip, bearing in mind that a turn-around time would be set if we encountered any signs of unstable snowpack. As expected, the high freezing levels had created rain up to 1600m resulting in isothermal snowpack and easy travel, yet we turned around approximately 100 vertical meters below the ridge when we observed shooting cracks and collapsing. This was evidence of a storm snow avalanche problem, which though not immediately hazardous to us, indicated increasing hazard and instability with potential for larger, more dangerous avalanches. Our observations confirmed that it was a wise decision to turn around and the experience was still valuable for data collection and ascertainment of snowpack conditions at higher elevations at a later date. By contrast, at the completion of the observation trip at Red Heather Lake, we were satisfied with the low avalanche danger and stable snowpack, hence plans were made for an overnight trip to conduct further data collection and possibly a snow profile.

3. Weather Forecast

The Snowbird Snow Report and weather forecast is the ultimate guide to the conditions in Snowbird. Here you’ll find the latest snow report, and a guide to Snowbird weather and conditions, so you will know the extent of the current and forecasted snowfall at Snowbird. This Snowbird weather report is designed to help you make the most of your Snowbird experience with the current weather and snow conditions. An all-time snowfall poster perfect for your powder room is available in the Gift Shop. Every skier/snowboarder knows that fresh snow means fresh tracks and the key to finding fresh snow is a reliable weather guide. When heading to Utah, you can be confident in the fact that you’re going to find fresh snow because over the past 30 years, the Wasatch has received an average annual snowfall of 500 inches. This is due to the fact that Snowbird is located in the ‘ideal’ location for storms. Warm air from the Pacific and Gulf of Mexico travel up the Colorado and go east through Wyoming and Idaho. At this point, the air cools and travels back west towards Salt Lake City due to a high-pressure system. This cool air reaches the Great Salt Lake where it picks up moisture and is forced upward by the lake’s high elevation. From here, the snow clouds head southeast over Little Cottonwood Canyon where they are again forced upward as they collide with the mountains to the east. What happens next? Consistent, light and dry powder is what happens. Thanks to the Salt Lake airport, you’re only 45 minutes away from the best snow in the world. Now start doing your snow dances.

4. Trail and Lift Status

This is the day and age of technology, and this concept has not been lost on Snowbird. A helpful tool is the online “SnowCam” that provides a real-time view from various locations on the mountain. Other tools available on the Snowbird website are their interactive trail map, GPS enabled trail maps, and lists of open trails and lifts. These tools are all hosted online which brings up another concept. There are many locations on the mountain that have WiFi access which is available to anyone, no password or account required. This is a great convenience to skiers and snowboarders who are trying to meet up with others at the mountain or to get their friends’ opinions on which trails to hit up. Many mountain-goers are familiar with the frustration of poor cell phone reception in the mountains, and this outdated trail information can be just as frustrating. Whether it’s the SnowCam, trail and lift lists, or the WiFi hotspots, concerned skiers are always able to easily find out what trails are open on a given day.

5. Tips for an Unforgettable Snowbird Experience

a) Since Snowbird is a true ski-in/ski-out resort and much of its terrain is for intermediate and above skiers, many guests find it most convenient to rent a car to travel into Sandy or Salt Lake City during the evenings. Here they can find a variety of dining and shopping options. Trolley service and taxi is available. b) Take advantage of our discounts and reserve your equipment with the resort’s preferred rental and delivery service, Christy Sports. This is the most convenient way to get great equipment without having to leave your accommodations. c) Experience the newly expanded Lodge at Snowbird. The 2009 renovations are impressive and the best is yet to come! A rooftop spa with a view of the entire mountain and an additional new wing with still more new terrain-side condos will be opening in the coming years. d) Consider taking advantage of the UTA Ski Bus for your airport transportation. It’s only $4.50 each way per person and can save you wait time in reaching the canyon in a storm. From there you can easily access the canyon shuttle that will take you straight to lodging check-in.

Your chance to get the most out of your Snowbird vacation starts well before you buckle your bindings. Here are some tips that will help make your trip smooth and your experience unforgettable. These are based on frequent questions guests often ask during their visit.