Friday, December 16, 2016

AM Storm Update

Last night's storm really delivered in terms of mountain water equivalents.  The totals through 7AM:

Alta-Collins: 1.33" (11" snow)
Snowbasin Middle Bowl: 1.41"
Sundance Mid Mountain: 1.80"

The big winner of course is Ben Lomond with 3.3".

The Alta-Collins snow depth is now up to an extremely robust 53", with more coming today.  That's better than the last three years on this date (2015 - 46"; 2014 – 35"; 2013 - 35") and possibly back to December 2010, which was a huge early season producer (snow depth data missing in MesoWest for intermediate years on this date so I couldn't confirm).

Temperatures yesterday at the base of Alta peaked at 43ºF and were in the mid 30s when precipitation started last night.  Snow levels at that time were at least 8000 feet, possibly a bit higher.  Temperatures have since fallen, but still hang at 32.5ºF at 7 AM.


Thus, new snow depths this morning increase markedly from 7500 to 9000 feet.

Although we may get a brief break this morning, more precipitation is coming.  The HRRR forecast for 2000 UTC (1 PM MST) this afternoon shows a strong cold front moving through northern Utah.  In addition to high precipitation rates and falling snow levels, it could bring some thunder and lightening, just to add to the excitement.


Enjoy!

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