Snowbird Closes

Snowbird announced yesterday that last weekend was their last operating weekend of the 2020/21 ski season.  

While we aimed to have another weekend of operations, Mother Nature had other plans. Due to current conditions, Snowbird is now closed for the 2020-21 winter season. Thank you to everyone who joined us—we're looking forward to getting back on snow with you for our 50th season. pic.twitter.com/xJ680WqIrZ

— Snowbird (@Snowbird) May 19, 2021

Such a decision is based on several factors, but we'll focus first here on the state of the snowpack as of today, May 20th.

SNOTEL observations show a dearth of snow across northern Utah (i.e., north of I-70/US-6).  Only USU Doc Daniel (11.5") above Bear Lake, Lakefork Basin (7.9") and Steel Creek Park (8.9") in the Uinta Mountains, and Snowbird (12") report have more than 2" of snowpack water equivalent.  Most of the remaining sites have nothing.  

The duration of snowcover in the spring depends on several factors including the buildup of the snowpack during the cool season, the weather during March through May, and other factors that are difficult quantify at present, such as the amount of dust in the snowpack.  Let's take a look at the first two factors during this season compared to three others: 2014/15 (red line below), 2018/19 (green line), and 2010/11.  

Of the four seasons 2014/15 had the lowest peak snow-water equivalent.  However, a cool, intermittently snowy period in early to mid May extended the snow-cover season to June 1st. 

2010/11 was probably the closest thing you'll see to a dream season.  Massive buildup of the snowpack through April and then slower but continued growth through May.  In fact, peak snowpack (75.1") was reached on May 23rd and then again on May 31 and June 1.  At that point, the pattern shifted and 75" of snow water equivalent melted in just over 5 weeks.  Incredible, but the high angle sun in June is merciless once the storm track has retreated northward.  Snowbird was open through the 4th of July.  

Then there is 2018/19.  The snow accumulation season was generous with a healthy peak snowpack of over 55", but we started to lose snow in mid April, which is a bit early.  Mother Nature, however, shifted gears again in Mid May and brought in colder weather and storms, so that there was a secondary snowpack peak in late May.  As a result, the snow cover season extended to late June.  Snowbird stayed open through the 4th again on upper elevation terrain above this observing site.  

Finally we have this year.  Peak snowpack wasn't very high (it was about 75% of median), but the cooler April meant it was reached in late April at about the time of the median peak.  However, since then the snow loss has been generally steady and consistent, with just one brief cold surge to slow it down.  

Nevertheless, I suspect Snowbird has enough snow to operate if they wanted to.  The decision to close is based on more than just snow, especially this year given all the COVID issues at play.  I thank all the essential employees who helped make recreation possible this past ski season and hope for a more normal season next year.

Correction, I HOPE FOR AN EPIC SNOW AND SKI SEASON NEXT YEAR.   Start burning skis now.