Overview

Knowledge of Wasatch Microclimates is critical for finding powder. Although Alta averages over 500 inches of snow a year, other portions of the Wasatch receive less snow, sometimes much less. There are also some high altitude areas where observations aren't collected that may average over 600 inches. At the conclusion of this learning activity, you will be able to describe the annual snowfall at major ski resorts and some backcountry areas of the Wasatch Range and know where snowfall is plentiful and scant.

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 10 points toward your final grade.

Scenario

Utah has a strong powder reputation, but the reality is that there are large contrasts in snowfall throughout the Wasatch Range. In addition, at some resorts, there are large contrasts in snowfall between the base and the summit. Do you really know all there is to know about where to find snowfall in the Wasatch? Have you been fooled by marketing? What's the truth about snow in the Wasatch? Let's find out.

Key Concepts

Critical for this learning activity are estimates of average annual snowfall based on the available observations in the Wasatch Range. Maps of estimated average annual snowfall in the central Wasatch, northern Wasatch, and southern Wasatch are provided below along with the ski-resort perimeters (thick black lines), lifts (thin black lines), and geographic locations of interest (circles with letters).

Central Wasatch average annual snowfall

Northern Wasatch average annual snowfall

Southern Wasatch average annual snowfall

Citations

Images:

Key Concepts:

- 3 different images here titled Average Annual Snowfall (inches)
  - Citation: Copyright © 2014, PRISM Climate Group, Oregon State University. Map created 10 April 2020.

Quiz:

- Question 5
  - Citation: Solitude Mountain Resort. (n.d.). Solitude by the numbers: Mountain statistics.
- Question 9
  - Citation: Powder Mountain. (n.d.). Mountain statistics.