Overview
Instructor
Jim Steenburgh
Department of Atmospheric Sciences
University of Utah
480/488 INSCC
jim.steenburgh@utah.edu
801-581-8727
X.com: @ProfessorPowder
Blog: https://wasatchweatherweenies.blogspot.com
Teaching/Learning Assistants
Michael Pletcher (michael.pletcher@utah.edu)
Gerardo Carrillo-Cardenas (u1375376@utah.edu)
Tori Brown (u1360198@utah.edu)
Pierce Gardner (u1313281@utah.edu)
Virtual Help Hours (a.k.a. Student or Office Hours)
These are times when we are available to answer your questions, provide assistance, or just talk about anything, including snow and skiing.
Use the zoom link and passcode on our Online Assistance page to join the virtual help hours during the time periods indicated. You may be placed temporarily in a waiting room if we are assisting other students. We are also available by appointment if you contact us through Canvas or using the e-mail addresses above.
Textbook
Secrets of the Greatest Snow on Earth, Second Edition by Jim Steenburgh. This book has a suggested retail price of $22.95, may be purchased through the Campus bookstore, and is also freely available online if you are on the University of Utah network or off campus if you follow these directions. Downloads, however, may be limited and images are not high resolution. Please note that we cannot debug problems with online access.
Prerequisites
None. This course is open to all students of any year in any major. No prior background or experience needed. You don't even need to be a skier or snowboarder and we encourage anyone with an interest in mountain weather or snow to take the course! Students should be comfortable reading maps like those provided by Google Earth and examining basic line and bar graphs.
General Education
This course meets the Physical/Life Science Exploration (SF) requirement and addresses the learning framework intersection: Persist in addressing complex problems.
Credits
3
Meeting Times and Locations
This class is fully online and has no meeting locations or times. Complete everything online via Canvas. Work at your own schedule and pace, completing assignments prior to deadlines.
Helpful Tips
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- Have questions? Join our virtual help hours using the zoom link and passcode at our Online Assistance page. We are here for you! Or, send Jim an e-mail or a message through Canvas and we will schedule an alternative time to meet.
- Some of the images for the scenario based learning activities may be small. In some cases, there are links to access larger ones. If not, you can right click on the image and either open it in a new window or tab or download it to access a larger version.
Outcomes and Methods
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this course, you will be able to:
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- Summarize the evidence supporting Utah’s claim to “The Greatest Snow on Earth”
- Explain the processes or phenomena (cloud, radiation, and wind) that affect the weather and snow in mountainous regions
- Monitor and predict the weather and snowfall by using meteorological observations and computer-model forecasts
- Describe the meteorological, snowpack, terrain, and human factors that contribute to avalanches and avalanche accidents
- Discuss how climate change will affect the future of snow, ice, mountain sports, and culture in Utah and around the world
- Apply problem-solving strategies, creativity, and atmospheric and snow information to better pursue winter-sports interests
- Summarize the challenges posed by winter weather and climate change for glaciers, snow, and skiing in mountainous regions
Teaching and Learning Methods
Weekly modules involving a reading assignment, educational videos, participation in a discussion forum, a knowledge check, scenario-based learning activities, and optional additional exploration.
Readings and educational videos should be completed early in the week.
The initial post for discussions is due Thursdays by 11:59 p.m. MT and responses to posts are due Sundays by 11:59 pm MT.
The knowledge check and scenario-based learning activities are due Sundays 11:59 pm MT.
Late assignments reduced by 15% per day late without prior arrangement. Maximum late penalty reduction of 30%.
Weekly Schedule
Module 1: The Secrets
Module 2: Wasatch Microclimates
Module 3: Understanding Wasatch Microclimates
Module 4: Snow Climates of North America
Module 5: Snow Climates beyond North America
Module 6: Flaky Science
Module 7: Lake Effect/Mid-Term Exam
Module 8: Alta Goes to War
Module 9: Avalanche Fundamentals
Module 10: Avalanche Awareness and Human Factors in Accidents
Module 11: Powder Prediction – Observations
Module 12: Powder Prediction – Model Forecasts
Module 13: Climate Change and Snow – Recent Trends and Causes
Module 14: Future Climate Change and the Fate of Skiing
Module 15: Review/Final Exam
Grading
Most modules involve a knowledge check (15 points), a graded discussion (5 points), and scenario-based learning activities (20 points), for a total of 40 points. The graded discussion facilitates deeper discussion as you reflect on the weekly reading and videos, respond to one of the given prompts, and comment on the posts shared by two other students. The knowledge checks, which are multiple choice, can be completed while consulting course materials, can be repeated once, and are designed to help you gain deeper understanding of key concepts covered in the readings and educational videos. The scenario-based learning activities help you develop problem-solving strategies for using atmospheric, snow, and other information sources to better pursue your winter-sports interests or address challenges posed by winter weather and climate change in mountainous regions. These learning activities include multiple choice or short essay questions (multiple choice activities may be repeated once). There will also be a mid-term and a final, each will contain 50 multiple choice or fill-in-the blank questions, with a 90 minute time limit. Final grades are based on the weekly discussion/knowledge check/scenario-based learning activities (60%; breaks down into: 8% discussions, 23% knowledge checks, and 29% scenario-based learning activities), the mid-term exam (20%), and the final exam (20%).
Final grades will be assigned as follows:
An F will be assigned an E in the University of Utah grade system.
We get lots of requests from students for a better grade at the end of the semester, sometimes asking if they can do extra work. If you want a better grade, many of the activities can be completed twice for an improved grade prior to the due date. This is your opportunity for extra credit. Please do not contact us at the end of the semester asking for extra credit opportunities.
Expectations
University policies and online expectations are described in depth below and apply to this class. I expect you to be self-motivated and stay on top of the schedule; complete assignments, discussions, knowledge checks, and learning activities on time; contact me or the teaching assistant if you have questions or need assistance; and follow the Core Rules of Netiquette. Plagiarism, cheating, harassment, or other forms of misconduct will not be tolerated. This includes the use of artificial intelligence (AI) content generators to produce content for discussions, essays, or other class assignments.
(Links to an external site.)
Inclusivity
My intent for this class is to create a space where students feel included, heard, and respected and that students' diverse identities and backgrounds are valued and viewed as an asset. We all come to this course with unique life (and snow) experiences, and there will be diversity of perspectives in our discussions. This diversity is a strength as we strive to communicate and connect across differences, and build an inclusive and equitable learning environment. If you have a conflict with an assignment for a religious/cultural/spiritual event, please notify me beforehand and we will make arrangements.
How to Succeed in this Class
Be disciplined. Stay on top of the material and begin work early each week. Consult the book and videos as needed while completing Knowledge Checks and Learning Activities. Contact the instructor or teaching assistant when questions arise or if assistance is needed.
Counseling Services/ADA
The University of Utah Counseling Center p
rovides developmental, preventative, and therapeutic services to promote the intellectual, emotional, cultural, and social development of University of Utah students. This includes services that address personal, career, and academic learning issues. They are located in 426 SSB and can be reached at 801-581-6826. Their 24/7 crisis line is 801-587-3000.
Americans with Disabilities Act
The University of Utah seeks to provide equal access to its programs, services, and activities for people with disabilities. If you will need accommodations for the class, please see the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) information below and make arrangements for accommodations.
Adjustments
This syllabus is meant to serve as an outline and guide for our course. Please note that I may modify it with reasonable notice to you. I may also modify the course schedule to accommodate the needs of our class. Any changes will be announced in class and posted on Canvas under Announcements.
Online Expectations
Student Expectations
Though the online format allows students greater flexibility to complete their work, this course does have a structure and timeline! As such, the following is expected of all students in this class:
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- Students must be self-motivated, organized, and willing to stay on top of their schedules. Students should take control of their learning while in this course.
- Students are expected to follow the Core Rules of Netiquette at all times while participating in the class and communicating with others.
- Students will log in to the course a minimum of 3 times per week.
- Students are not expected to interact with their classmates in person. Students may be expected to work with classmates via online communication options like Canvas Discussions, video conferencing, or other communication technologies of choice (Groupme, FaceTime, Google Hangouts, etc).
- Students will regularly check for course updates and will update their Canvas notification settings to ensure they receive timely notifications from the course.
- Students will contact their instructor or teaching assistant in a timely manner if they have any questions, are struggling with course materials, or need further assistance from their instructor.
- If you do not hear back within 3 days after sending a message, please contact your instructor/TA again.
- Students will follow all official University of Utah policies regarding interpersonal conduct, academic dishonesty, and other rights and responsibilities of students outlined in the University of Utah Student Handbook and Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities.
Instructor Expectations
Your course instructor is an expert in the topics you will learn about this semester. Your instructor is your mentor and facilitator of the classroom experience, aided by teaching assistants. Instructors are committed to:
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- The instructor will design the course to include lectures, learning materials, and assignments that are accessible and provide students with opportunities to learn and practice course content.
- The instructor and teaching assistants will ensure that the course remains a safe space where students can engage with difficult content thoughtfully and respectfully.
- The instructor and teaching assistants will interact with the class regularly via announcements, virtual help hours (one-on-one video conferencing), emails/the Canvas Inbox, feedback on assignments, and comments on Discussions, among other methods.
- The instructor and teaching assistants will respond to students in a timely manner: within 48 hours, not including weekends and holidays.
- The instructor and teaching assistants will be available for an individual consultation via virtual help hours (one-on-one video conferencing), email, or phone and will not require students to meet in person.
- The instructor and teaching assistants will provide relevant feedback in a timely manner.
- The instructor and teaching assistants will follow all official University of Utah policies regarding interpersonal conduct, accommodations, and other important duties.
University Policies
COVID-19 Information
Drop/Withdrawal Policies
Students may drop a course within the first two weeks of a given semester without any penalties.
Students may officially withdraw (W) from a class or all classes after the drop deadline through the midpoint of a course. A “W” grade is recorded on the transcript and appropriate tuition/fees are assessed. The grade “W” is not used in calculating the student’s GPA.
For deadlines to withdraw from full-term, first, and second session classes, see the U's Academic Calendar.
Academic Honesty, Plagiarism and Cheating
It is assumed that all work submitted to your instructor is your own work. When you have used the ideas of others, you must properly indicate that you have done so.
It is expected that students adhere to University of Utah policies regarding academic honesty, including but not limited to refraining from cheating, plagiarizing, misrepresenting one’s work, and/or inappropriately collaborating. This includes the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools without citation, documentation, or authorization. Students are expected to adhere to the prescribed professional and ethical standards of the profession/discipline for which they are preparing. Any student who engages in academic dishonesty or who violates the professional and ethical standards for their profession/discipline may be subject to academic sanctions as per the University of Utah’s Student Code: https://regulations.utah.edu/academics/6-410.php
Plagiarism and cheating are serious offenses and may be punished by failure on an individual assignment, and/or failure in the course. Academic misconduct, according to the University of Utah Student Code,
“...Includes, but is not limited to, cheating, misrepresenting one’s work, inappropriately collaborating, plagiarism, and fabrication or falsification of information…It also includes facilitating academic misconduct by intentionally helping or attempting to help another to commit an act of academic misconduct.”
For details on plagiarism and other important course conduct issues, see the U's Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities.
Course Materials Copyright
The Content is made available only for your personal, noncommercial educational, and scholarly use. You may not use the Content for any other purpose, or distribute, post or make the Content available to others unless you obtain any required permission from the copyright holder. Some Content may be provided via streaming or other means that restrict copying; you may not circumvent those restrictions. You may not alter or remove any copyright or other proprietary notices included in the Content.
Please see the
Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities, Section III.A.5 regarding the
use and distribution of class Content and materials. Section III.A.5. prohibits the following:
Sale or distribution of information representing the work product of a faculty member to a commercial entity for financial gain without the express written permission of the faculty member responsible for the course. (“Work product” means original works of authorship that have been fixed in a tangible medium and any works based upon and derived from the original work of authorship.)
Safety at the U
The University of Utah values the safety of all campus community members. You will receive important emergency alerts and safety messages regarding campus safety via text message.
For more safety information and to view available training resources, including helpful videos, visit safeu.utah.edu (Links to an external site.).
To report suspicious activity or to request a courtesy escort, contact:
Campus Police & Department of Public Safety
801-585-COPS (801-585-2677)
dps.utah.edu
1735 E. S. Campus Dr.
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
Wellness at the U
Your personal health and wellness are essential to your success as a student. Personal concerns like stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, depression, or cross-cultural differences can interfere with a student’s ability to succeed and thrive in this course and at the University of Utah.
Please feel welcome to reach out to your instructor or TA to handle issues regarding your coursework.
For helpful resources to manage your personal wellness and counseling options, contact:
Center for Student Wellness
801-581-7776
wellness.utah.edu
2100 Eccles Student Life Center
1836 Student Life Way
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
Women's Resource Center
801-581-8030
womenscenter.utah.edu
411 Union Building
200 S. Central Campus Dr.
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
Addressing Sexual Misconduct
Title IX makes it clear that violence and harassment based on sex and gender (which includes sexual orientation and gender identity/expression) is a civil rights offense subject to the same kinds of accountability and the same kinds of support applied to offenses against other protected categories such as race, national origin, color, religion, age, status as a person with a disability, veteran’s status, or genetic information.
If you or someone you know has been harassed or assaulted, you are encouraged to report it to university officials:
Title IX Coordinator & Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action
801-581-8365
oeo.utah.edu
383 South University Street
Level 1 OEO Suite
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
Office of the Dean of Students
801-581-7066
deanofstudents.utah.edu
270 Union Building
200 S. Central Campus Dr.
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
To file a police report, contact:
Campus Police & Department of Public Safety
801-585-COPS (801-585-2677)
dps.utah.edu
1658 E 500 S
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
If you do not feel comfortable reporting to authorities, the U's Victim-Survivor Advocates provide free, confidential, and trauma-informed support services to students, faculty, and staff who have experienced interpersonal violence.
To privately explore options and resources available to you with an advocate, contact:
Center for Campus Wellness
801-581-7776
wellness.utah.edu
Student Services Building (SSB)
Room 330
201 S. 1460 E.
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)
The University of Utah seeks to provide equal access to its programs, services, and activities for people with disabilities.
All written information in this course can be made available in an alternative format with prior notification to the Center for Disability & Access (CDA). CDA will work with you and the instructor to make arrangements for accommodations. Prior notice is appreciated. To read the full accommodations policy for the University of Utah, please see Section Q of the Instruction & Evaluation regulations.
If you will need accommodations in this class, or for more information about what support they provide, contact:
Center for Disability & Access
801-581-5020
disability.utah.edu
162 Union Building
200 S. Central Campus Dr.
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
Diverse Student Support
Your success at the University of Utah is important to all of us here! If you feel like you need extra support in academics, overcoming personal difficulties, or finding community, the U is here for you.
Student Support Services (TRIO)
TRIO federal programs are targeted to serve and assist low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities.
Student Support Services (SSS) is a TRIO program for current or incoming undergraduate university students who are seeking their first bachelor's degree and need academic assistance and other services to be successful at the University of Utah.
For more information about what support they provide, a list of ongoing events, and links to other resources, view their website or contact:
Student Support Services (TRIO)
801-581-7188
trio.utah.edu
Room 2075
1901 E. S. Campus Dr.
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
American Indian Students
The AIRC works to increase American Indian student visibility and success on campus by advocating for and providing student-centered programs and tools to enhance academic success, cultural events to promote personal well-being, and a supportive “home-away-from-home” space for students to grow and develop leadership skills.
For more information about what support they provide, a list of ongoing events, and links to other resources, view their website or contact:
American Indian Resource Center
801-581-7019
diversity.utah.edu/centers/airc
Fort Douglas Building 622
1925 De Trobriand St.
Salt Lake City, UT 84113
Black Students
Using a pan-African lens, the Black Cultural Center seeks to counteract persistent campus-wide and global anti-blackness. The Black Cultural Center works to holistically enrich, educate, and advocate for students, faculty, and staff through Black-centered programming, culturally affirming educational initiatives, and retention strategies.
For more information about what support they provide, a list of ongoing events, and links to other resources, view their website or contact:
Black Cultural Center
801-213-1441
diversity.utah.edu/centers/bcc
Fort Douglas Building 603
95 Fort Douglas Blvd.
Salt Lake City, UT 84113
Students with Children
Our mission is to support and coordinate information, program development, and services that enhance family resources as well as the availability, affordability, and quality of child care for University students, faculty, and staff.
For more information about what support they provide, a list of ongoing events, and links to other resources, view their website or contact:
Center for Childcare & Family Resources
801-585-5897
childcare.utah.edu
408 Union Building
200 S. Central Campus Dr.
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
Students With Disabilities
The Center for Disability and Access is dedicated to serving students with disabilities by providing the opportunity for success and equal access at the University of Utah. They also strive to create an inclusive, safe, and respectful environment.
For more information about what support they provide and links to other resources, view their website or contact:
Center for Disability and Access
801-581-5020
disability.utah.edu
162 Union Building
200 S. Central Campus Dr.
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
Students of Ethnic Descent
The Center for Ethnic Student Affairs offers several programs dedicated to the success of students with varied cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Its mission is to create an inclusive, safe campus community that values the experiences of all students.
For more information about what support they provide, a list of ongoing events, and links to other resources, view their website or contact:
Center for Ethnic Student Affairs
801-581-8151
diversity.utah.edu/centers/cesa/
235 Union Building
200 S. Central Campus Dr.
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
English as a Second/Additional Language (ESL) Students
If you are an English language learner, there are several resources on campus available to help you develop your English writing and language skills. Feel free to contact:
Writing Center
801-587-9122
writingcenter.utah.edu
(Links to an external site.)
2701 Marriott Library
295 S 1500 E
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
English for Academic Success (EAS) Program
801-581-8047
linguistics.utah.edu
2300 LNCO
255 S. Central Campus Dr.
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
English Language Institute
801-581-4600
continue.utah.edu/eli (Links to an external site.)
540 Arapeen Dr.
Salt Lake City, UT 84108
Undocumented Students
Immigration is a complex phenomenon with broad impact—those who are directly affected by it and those who are indirectly affected by their relationships with family members, friends, and loved ones. If your immigration status presents obstacles that prevent you from engaging in specific activities or fulfilling specific course criteria, confidential arrangements may be requested from the Dream Center.
Arrangements with the Dream Center will not jeopardize your student status, your financial aid, or any other part of your residence. The Dream Center offers a wide range of resources to support undocumented students (with and without DACA) as well as students from mixed-status families.
For more information about what support they provide and links to other resources, view their website or contact:
Dream Center
801-213-3697
dream.utah.edu
(Links to an external site.)
200 S. CENTRAL CAMPUS DRIVE
UNION, ROOM 80
SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84112
LGBTQ+ Students
The LGBTQ+ Resource Center acts in accountability with the campus community by identifying the needs of people with a queer range of [a]gender and [a]sexual experiences and responding with university-wide services.
For more information about what support they provide, a list of ongoing events, and links to other resources, view their website or contact:
LGBTQ+ Resource Center
801-587-7973
lgbt.utah.edu (Links to an external site.)
409 Union Building
200 S. Central Campus Dr.
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
Veterans & Military Students
The mission of the Veterans Support Center is to improve and enhance the individual and academic success of veterans, service members, and their family members who attend the university; to help them receive the benefits they earned, and to serve as a liaison between the student veteran community and the university.
For more information about what support they provide, a list of ongoing events, and links to other resources, view their website or contact:
Veterans Support Center
801-587-7722
veteranscenter.utah.edu (Links to an external site.)
418 Union Building
200 S. Central Campus Dr.
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
Women
The Women’s Resource Center (WRC) at the University of Utah serves as the central resource for educational and support services for women. Honoring the complexities of women’s identities, the WRC facilitates choices and changes through programs, counseling, and training grounded in a commitment to advance social justice and equality.
For more information about what support they provide, a list of ongoing events, and links to other resources, view their website or contact:
Women's Resource Center
801-581-8030
womenscenter.utah.edu
411 Union Building
200 S. Central Campus Dr.
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
Inclusivity at the U
The Office for Inclusive Excellence is here to engage, support, and advance an environment fostering the values of respect, diversity, equity, inclusivity, and academic excellence for students in our increasingly global campus community. They also handle reports of bias in the classroom as outlined below:
Bias or hate incidents consist of speech, conduct, or some other form of expression or action that is motivated wholly or in part by prejudice or bias whose impact discriminates, demeans, embarrasses, assigns stereotypes, harasses, or excludes individuals because of their race, color, ethnicity, national origin, language, sex, size, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, or religion.
For more information about what support they provide and links to other resources, or to report a bias incident, view their website or contact:
Office for Inclusive Excellence
801-581-4600
inclusive-excellence.utah.edu (Links to an external site.)
200 S. CENTRAL CAMPUS DRIVE
UNION, ROOM 70
SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84112
Other Student Groups at the U
To learn more about some of the other resource groups available at the U, check out:
getinvolved.utah.edu/
https://ssc.utah.edu/tools-for-success.php
