If you find yourself driving in Utah, you may catch something on the license plates. At the very bottom of most license plates in Utah, it says “greatest snow on earth.” This may seem like a cheesy slogan, especially in the summer when it is so hot and dry, but this is not a slogan. This is a fact – a scientific fact. Utah has the most unique incredible snow on earth for many different reasons.
One of these factors is the Lake effect. When cold air travels over a large body of water it tends to pick up more heat and moisture. This causes the air to rise and cool. The moist air then travels over the mountains where it proceeds to dump snow. Due to the high salt content in the Great Salt Lake, it doesn’t freeze all year round. This provides a lot more moisture to pick up in the wintertime. Due to its immense size at 75 miles long it is responsible for 5-10% of Utah’s annual snowfall, which can extend the ski season up to 5-7 weeks.
While the snow falls from the sky, it is affected by the dry air in Utah. The dry air creates very delicate snowflakes that make up Utah’s distinct “powder”. The powder in Utah is so special because of how light and fluffy it is. This fluffy feeling is caused by the low moisture content in the snow which is only 8%. For context the moisture content in manmade snow is around 24%. Because the moisture in the snow is so low, the crystals don’t stick together making it so fluffy.
The consistency of the air in Utah is very dry. During December, the highest average humidity is 74.3%. This is very low compared to the national average of 87%. Due to the low humidity, the dry air inhibits the moisture from adhering ice crystals. This creates much more light and delicate snowflakes that are responsible for Utah’s notorious powder. This causes the dry air to be responsible for slower evaporation of the snowpack. The effects of the dry air led to extended snow seasons because it causes the snow to melt much slower.
In recent years the 15 resorts in Utah have received an average of 500 inches of snow annually. These resorts have also been known for a record number of powder days. A powder day is what every skier dreams about. When resorts receive 12 or more inches of snowfall in 24 hours it is considered a powder day. In Utah’s resorts there are around 20 every season. The past season was record breaking for Utah, with 13 out of 15 of the resorts breaking all-time snowfall records. Alta led the pack with a whopping 903 inches! This season has been disappointing so far but skiers are hopeful for a statistical comeback resembling last season.
Utah’s various resorts have a unique combination of factors that create the perfect ski day. The Great Salt Lake’s extra moisture and Utah’s dry air are responsible for the frequent snowfall, consistent snowpack, and the light fluffy powder. This magical combination of science and nature is guaranteed to put a smile on the face of all the powder hungry Utahns. Whether a seasoned powder hound, or just mastering the bunny hills, Utah’s winter wonderland is the place to be. So next time you come across a Utah license plate, don’t question the “greatest snow on earth.”