Module 14 | Scenario 1: Climate Change Impacts on Park City Mountain Resort
- Due Apr 20 at 11:59pm
- Points 11
- Questions 11
- Available after Apr 7 at 12am
- Time Limit None
- Allowed Attempts 2
Instructions
Overview
Climate change is having a growing influence on winter weather, skiing, and resort operations, but what might we expect at a specific ski resort? After completing this learning activity, you will be able to describe what future climate change could mean for Park City Mountain Resort (PCMR) in northern Utah.
Instructions
Utilize the information located in the Scenario and Key Concepts to answer the questions located in this activity. You may refer to your textbook and notes to help you work through the assigned questions if desired. You will have two attempts to complete this activity. The highest grade will automatically be recorded. Once you have submitted your activity for a second time, you will be able to see the correct answers. Discuss with your instructor if you have questions about your answers or feedback.
- Activity is due Sunday, by 11:59 p.m. MT
Submission and Assessment Guidelines
- You will complete the quiz associated with this scenario within Canvas. For help on how to take a quiz in Canvas, review How do I take a quiz.
- This learning activity is worth 11 points toward your final grade.
Scenario
In a stunning takeover from Vail Resorts, you are the new owner of PCMR. Now that you've made this impulsive purchase, however, you are suffering from buyer's remorse and wondering what the impacts of climate change might be on the resort and community.
Key Concepts
Projections of how climate change will affect snow and skiing will depend on the models, methods, and assumptions used. In this activity, we will examine projections produced by Stratus Consulting, an environmental firm that produced a report in 2009 for The Park City Foundation exploring how climate change could affect the climate, snowpack, and economy of Park City and PCMR. Although based on older climate model projections, it remains useful guidance today.
The full report is available here for those who want the gory details, but for completing this learning activity, use the abridged version that includes (1) the introduction and summary; (2) figures showing projections for average snow depth at the PCMR base area (about 7,000 feet) and summit (about 10,000 feet) in 2030, 2050, 2075; (3) a written snowpack trends summary; (4) a section on uncertainty; and (5) the summary and conclusions.
Note that the projections for average snow depth are not specific forecasts for each year (2030, 2050, 2075), but instead represent projections for the prevailing (near-average) conditions around that time period. Six different projections are provided based on differing greenhouse-gas scenarios, models, and methods.
B1.avg: An average estimate based on changes projected by seven climate models assuming lower future greenhouse gas emissions and concentrations. From 1990 to 2075, the average projected change in temperature at PCMR using this approach is 2.8˚C.
A1B.avg: An average estimate based on changes projected by seven climate models assuming moderate future greenhouse gas emissions and concentrations. From 1990 to 2075, the average projected change in temperature at PCMR using this approach is 3.8˚C.
A1FI.avg: An average estimate based on changes projected by seven climate models assuming moderate future greenhouse gas emissions and concentrations. From 1990 to 2075, the average projected change in temperature at PCMR using this approach is 5.0˚C.
SDSM.B2: An estimate that uses an approach to provide finer detailed information, known as downscaling, applied to one climate model assuming a high growth scenario for future greenhouse gas emissions and concentrations. From 1990 to 2075, the projected change in temperature at PCMR using this approach is 2.72˚C.
SDSM.A2: Similar to SDSM.B2, but assuming a moderate to high growth scenario for future greenhouse gas emissions and concentrations. From 1990 to 2075, the projected change in temperature at PCMR using this approach is 3.63˚C.
RCM: Estimates based on a regional climate model. The projected temperature change was not provided by the report.
Trends in snow coverage and depth described in the report are relative to the 2000-2001 season, which was representative of the snow climate at PCMR near the end of the 20th century.
Citations
Key Concepts:
- Climate Change in Park City: An Assessment of Climate, Snowpack, and Economic Impacts (full report)
- Citation: Stratus Consulting. (2009). Climate change in Park City: An assessment of climate, snowpack, and economic impacts. The Park City Foundation.
- Climate Change in Park City: An Assessment of Climate, Snowpack, and Economic Impacts (abridged version)
- Citation: Stratus Consulting. (2009). Climate change in Park City: An assessment of climate, snowpack, and economic impacts (abridged). The Park City Foundation.