Snowpack water equivalent observations from Snowbird show that, for the first time since mid October, we are now running behind the 2018/19 season.
 |
| Source: NWS/CBRFC |
The numbers are so close, however, that it's probably better to say that we're in a dead heat given the errors and uncertainty that exist in such measurements.
Elsewhere in the central Wasatch, Mill D North is also in a dead heat, but Brighton and Thaynes Canyon are lagging behind.
 |
| Source: NWS/CBRFC |
 |
| Source: NWS/CBRFC |
 |
| Source: NWS/CBRFC |
Further, if one assumes these observations are representative (and that is not necessarily a good assumption, but what the hell), these observations suggest that western portion of the central Wasatch has been favored this winter more so than usual. This has led to above median snowpack in the western portion and near median in the eastern portion. I note, however, that this is probably not a statistically or physically representative sample given that there are only four points.
Another way to think of that is that the contrast between Little Cottonwood and Park City is stronger this year than in a median winter.
I wasn't here for most of last winter, but the skiing cognoscenti and snow snobs that I tour with tell me they clearly rate this season above last, at least so far. Observations from the western portion of the central Wasatch seem to support that. The situation on the Park City Ridgeline and Wasatch back is less clear.
Share your thoughts.
I mentioned this in a tweet to you last week, but as someone who skis a lot at Sundance, this year is quite a bit worse than last year. I just pulled the SWE map for Timpanogos divide, and the data seems to back that up. I totally understand that Sundance doesn't do as well as the cottonwoods on most occasions, but there hasn't been a storm that has really performed yet this year for Sundance. Interesting for sure.
ReplyDeleteHard to say for sure about the PC Ridgeline, but down in Park City itself, specifically Park Meadows, feels like less than last year. Maybe 12" less on the ground.
ReplyDeleteSoutheastern Utah hasn't had a major snowstorm since December, look at Kolob, Midway Valley, or Gutz Peak Snotels.
ReplyDeleteWe've had a couple pretty epic NW flow events this winter, and I don't think I can recall any major S-SW flow events. Could you figure compare wind direction data for a handful of stations and determine whether the "flow" was more egalitarian last year and more partial to LCC and mid BCC this year?
ReplyDelete