Utah is a state of contrast, especially when it comes to snow. From record-breaking snowstorms to late snowfalls, Utah has pretty much seen it all. Today, we are going explore some of the biggest snowfalls and events to ever happen, specifically when it comes to Utah in April. Surprisingly, this current year is one of the biggest on record! Let’s get started and learn more.
The Biggest April Snowstorm in Utah History
Utah is no stranger to snow, but some snowstorms have been more memorable than others. One of the biggest April snowstorms to ever hit Utah was the one that lasted from April 3 to April 5, 2023. This spring snowstorm dumped up to 67 inches of snow in some areas, breaking records and causing disruptions across the state while at the same time providing ski enthusiasts with some of the best conditions to have ever been recorded.
According to the National Weather Service, Utah set a record for snow water equivalency year, hitting 29.4 inches on April 4. The storm also broke the record for the most snowfall in a single day at Salt Lake International Airport since 1928, with 14.8 inches on April 4.
This historic snowstorm was driven by a cold and moist low-pressure system that moved over Utah from the Pacific Northwest, bringing heavy snowfall to the mountains and valleys.
A Record Season for Skiing
The 2022-23 winter season has been a record-breaking one for Utah ski resorts due to some of the insane snow dumps that have happened over the last few months, even stretching into Spring. Utah is home to “The Greatest Snow on Earth®” and some of the snowiest resorts in North America. As of mid-April, four out of five North American resorts with the most snowfall are in Utah: Alta Ski Area (368 inches), Brighton Resort (351 inches), Snowbird (347 inches), and Solitude Mountain Resort (330 inches).
On top of the most peak snow, many of the resorts have also surpassed their average annual snowfall, along with several others, such as Park City Mountain (480 inches), Snowbasin (360 inches), and Cherry Peak (300 inches). This record season has extended the ski season well past the usual, with some parks planning to stay open even as late as May! Although the snowpack is starting to melt in many places, the insane depth of it will prolong the season even further.
Utah Weather in April
If you’re planning to visit Utah in April, you might be wondering what the weather will be like. Well, the answer is: it depends. Utah is a big and diverse state, with different climates and elevations.
April is usually a warm and sunny month, but it can also bring some surprises. You might see rain, snow, or even a cold snap in some parts of the state. For example, in Salt Lake City, you can expect temperatures in the 60s or 70s during the day and in the 30s at night. You might also get some rain or snow on about ten days of the month. In St. George, a city near Zion National Park in the south, you can enjoy temperatures in the 70s during the day and in the 40s at night. You might get some rain on about five days of the month, but not much. In Park City, a ski resort town in the mountains, you can still find some snow and cold weather in April. You can expect temperatures in the 50s during the day and in the 20s at night. You might also see some snow on about ten days of the month.
Utah weather in April can be very different depending on where and when you travel to the state. If you plan on going to the ski resorts, it will likely be snowy and probably pretty cold. Salt Lake City can be mild with cold nights. The warm parts will be in the southern parts of the state and around the desert portions near Arizona and the National Parks.
Earliest Snowfall in Utah on Record
One of the earliest first snowfalls in Utah happened in 1978 when the entire state experienced snow as early as September 18th. This was a rare occurrence, as Utah’s average start of winter weather is usually toward the end of October. Utah has also had some late snowfalls, such as in 2021, when the first marked snowfall across the state occurred as late as December 9th.
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