"Alta Ski Area received just 321 inches of snowfall this winter, the lowest total on record. The season’s total surpassed the previous record low set in 2014-15 by 2.5 inches. Falling well short of its 548-inch average, Alta’s snowfall left skiers with fewer powder days and more challenging conditions. Alta's modern, consistently reported season-snowfall records at the Alta Collins station go back to 1980, and broader snowfall data in the canyon exist from 1944 at the Alta Guard Station."
"Utah's snowpack reached a record low since measurements began in 1990, topping out at just 8.7 inches (22.1 cm) of snow-water equivalent. This measurement came in at one-fifth of the previous record low, far surpassing it. Colorado also reported its lowest snowpack ever. Despite late-season snowfall, Alta struggled this year. The resort was forced to delay its opening date by two weeks, opening on December 5, 2025."
"Mid-season snowfall improved, with Presidents' Week bringing 53 inches in 100 hours. However, when March came, it brought warmth. The snowpack held on for as long as it could, but Alta was forced to end its season on April 26, 2026. This winter has been a cause of concern for climate scientists. Experts believe that future winters may continue to break record low snowfall totals as global temperatures rise."
"When snow does fall, warmer conditions can lead to faster melting and unstable snowpacks. For resorts like Alta, this could mean even worse seasons in the coming years. While Alta received record-high 903 inches of snowfall in 2022-23, scientists believe it is a result of climate change. Volatile winters with high snowfall fluctuations are more likely with rising global temperatures."
Alta Ski Area recorded 321 inches of snowfall in the 2025-26 winter, the lowest total on record and 2.5 inches below the previous record low from 2014-15. The season fell far short of Alta’s 548-inch average, resulting in fewer powder days and more difficult conditions. Utah’s snowpack reached a record low of 8.7 inches of snow-water equivalent, and Colorado reported its lowest snowpack ever. Alta delayed its opening by two weeks to December 5, 2025, then saw a mid-season boost with 53 inches in 100 hours during Presidents’ Week. Warmer March conditions led to an early end of the season on April 26, 2026. Climate scientists expect more record-low winters as global temperatures rise, with faster melting and unstable snowpacks.
Read at SnowBrains
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]