Utah’s ski resorts are turning to snowmaking machines to compensate for a significant decline in natural snowfall, a trend that’s not only threatening the state’s lucrative ski industry but also raising concerns about water management and extreme weather events. Unseasonably warm temperatures have caused resorts to miss critical snowpack benchmarks and delay opening dates, with implications that extend far beyond the slopes.
The ski industry contributes a substantial $2.5 billion to Utah’s economy, according to the University of Utah. With no natural snow in the forecast, resorts like Park City Mountain are relying heavily on snowmaking machines. “We run about 12 people per shift, so we have about 50 snowmakers on each side of the mountain,” said Barrett Burghard, snowmaking manager at Park City Mountain Resort, in an interview with CBS affiliate KUTV.
The lack of snowfall is a symptom of a broader issue: global temperatures have risen by about 2 degrees Fahrenheit since 1850, contributing to a 2.7% worldwide decline in snowfall since 1973, according to NOAA data reported by CNN. This trend is exacerbating water management challenges and increasing the risk of extreme weather events, including droughts and wildfires. Penn State research indicates that shorter winters, faster snowmelt, and droughts are worsening conditions that promote wildfires.
In response, ski resorts are leveraging advanced technology to create quality snow. “Now you can do everything from a smartphone or your laptop, and most of the guns adjust the quality,” Burghard told KUTV. “We have temperature sensors all over the mountain, so we know exactly what the temperatures are all over the mountain.” Meanwhile, experts are using satellite imaging, data analysis, and drones to improve forecasting and gather information in extreme conditions.
This news underscores the urgent need for the water, sanitation, and drainage sector to innovate and adapt. The decline in snowfall and the increase in extreme weather events demand proactive strategies for water management, flood mitigation, and infrastructure development. The sector must also engage in public awareness campaigns to highlight the broader implications of these environmental shifts.
As Burghard optimistically noted, “I always figure the weather is going to come sooner or later.” However, the sector cannot afford to wait for natural solutions. It must act now to mitigate the impacts of these trends and ensure sustainable water management for communities and ecosystems alike.