SE4:EP13 - Big Snow: Jim Steenburgh & Chase Thomason
May 3, 2023
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Professor Powder and KUTV2 meteorologist discuss the record-breaking 2022-23 ski season in Utah, exploring the science behind the big snowfall, weather patterns, and the impact on avalanche danger. They share their personal skiing experiences and favorite ski days in deep snow, highlighting the efforts of ski patrollers and public safety workers in keeping everyone safe.
The 2022-23 ski season in Utah experienced record-breaking snowfall, with resorts like Alta, Snowbird, and Sundance reporting impressive snow depths and water equivalents.
The exceptional snowfall was attributed to factors such as atmospheric rivers and the transition from La Niña to El Niño, highlighting the influence of weather patterns on Utah's snow conditions.
Deep dives
Record-breaking snowfall in Utah resorts
This podcast episode delves into the record-breaking snowfall in Utah resorts for the past season. The episode highlights the incredible snow depth and water equivalent in various resorts, including Alta, Snowbird, and Sundance. The discussion also touches on the factors that contributed to this exceptional season, such as the occurrence of atmospheric rivers and the transition from La Niña to El Niño. The impact of the heavy snowfall on avalanche dangers and the challenges faced by plow teams and public safety personnel is also addressed. The episode concludes by discussing the upcoming spring melt and its implications for flooding and water supply. Overall, the episode provides insights into Utah's remarkable snow conditions and the efforts to manage and utilize this abundance of snow.
Unusual experiences in the season
The podcast participants share their most unusual experiences during the season. Chase Thomason recounts a day at Sundance Resort during an atmospheric river event, where heavy wet snow and fallen trees made for a unique and challenging situation. Jim Steenberg shares an amusing incident where he got stuck in a parking lot due to the massive snowbanks at Deer Valley. These stories exemplify the extraordinary snowfall scenarios that occurred throughout the season and the unique challenges they posed.
Best day on the slopes
Jim Steenberg recalls a memorable day at Wasatch Peak Ranch, where he experienced an incredible amount of powder skiing with very few people around. Chase Thomason looks back fondly on a simple day spent skiing with friends at Solitude, where the enjoyment of being in good company stood out. These best day stories highlight the exceptional skiing conditions that were prevalent during the record-breaking season in Utah, allowing for unforgettable experiences on the slopes.
Looking ahead to future seasons
In the final segment of the podcast, the participants discuss the potential for future seasons and how to replicate the success of this record-breaking year. While they express uncertainty about the specific factors that led to such exceptional snowfall, they emphasize the need for continued water conservation efforts and a rethinking of water usage practices. They also mention the importance of considering climate change and the likelihood of more extreme weather patterns in the future. The episode concludes with a sense of gratitude for the incredible snow year and a hopeful outlook for future ski seasons in Utah.
The 2022-23 ski season was the biggest on record in Utah! So, just how big was the snowfall? And what’s the science behind it all? Last Chair got together with Professor Powder himself, Jim Steenburgh, along with KUTV2 meteorologist Chase Thomason to review the records and share their own stories of skiing and riding Utah’s Greatest Snow on Earth.
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