Utah's First Snowstorm of the Season Is Inbound

Utah skiers enjoy more snowfall than nearly every location on the planet, but the Beehive State's peaks have been surprisingly spared from early season snow thus far.

Like the Bat-Signal illuminated over Gotham, popular snow forecasting outlet The Powder Buoy posted an exciting announcement on September 12, 2024. The season's first storm is coming, and it could be more than a dusting. See below.

The chart above combines three of the primary weather modeling systems. Each modeling system has variability, as seen by the thin lines, while the thick and dotted lines represent the averages for each model.

If you're still scratching your head, don't fret. Essentially, the chart above tells us that Utah could receive anywhere from 0-15 inches of new snowfall from September 17-19, but it will most likely see 3-6 inches, based on the model averages. This will vary depending on elevation, wind, slope angle, and other factors, of course.

Alta skiers will be excited to learn that the University of Utah is forecasting significant accumulation at the Alta-Collins Study Plot at 9,662 ft. above sea level. Check out the 0-180 Hour Forecast Guidance models below. Pay particular attention to the chart in the bottom right hand corner. The University of Utah is forecasting nearly 10 inches of snow to fall from Tuesday, September 17 through Friday, September 20, 2024.

If nearly 10 inches of early season snow isn't enough to excite you for the upcoming season, we're not quire sure what will. Now, with that said, there are some potential negative outcomes to receiving early-season snow, especially if it doesn't melt away before winter begins to take hold. Let us explain.

Colorado's snowpack is notorious for experiencing persistent weak layers (cannon fodder for avalanches) due to early-season storms followed by a lull. The snow falls and a base starts to settle, but if the same surface layer is exposed to freeze-thaw cycles and sun exposure without fresh snowfall for an extended period of time, a "rotten" layer can form. Avalanche risk increases dramatically when fresh snow inevitably falls on this rotten layer. Some snow scientists even refer to these persistent weak layers colloquially as a massive ball bearing. It's the opposite of what you want for a stable snowpack.

Utah experiences its fair share of these persistent weak layers throughout the season for a variety of reasons, but avoiding one right off the rip is clearly the preferred outcome. That's why some Utah skiers are expressing hesitancy about this first snow storm in the comments section of The Powder Buoy's Instagram post .

It's important to remember that early season hype is intoxicating, and can lead us to make choices we'll later regret. If you're thinking about trying to ski Utah's first storm, consider waiting. Rocks, stumps, and a variety of non-slick obstacles will be present no matter how much snow this first storm provides.

If you do choose to venture out for your first turns, keep it mellow, bring a buddy, and don't be a hero. Stay safe out there, friends! Winter. Is. Coming.

Related: Fresh Snow Blankets European Mountains With More on the Way

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