Significance of Snow

“In the mountains, there are only two seasons: winter and summer. The snow is the basis of everything. It is the source of life.”— John Muir

The Wasatch Mountain Range

The Wasatch Mountains are a trademark of northern Utah and are enjoyed by residents and travelers alike. The trail of peaks stretches throughout northern Utah and into regions of western Wyoming and southern Idaho, and makes up a segment of the widely known Rocky Mountains. Formed mainly through the process of tectonic uplift and faulting, the Wasatch Mountains are a growing result of miraculous geologic forces. The range is evidence, ancient scar tissue, of Earth’s indelible processes. The Wasatch Fault, as many are aware, is an active fault that runs parallel to the range and is responsible for the dramatic topography of the region. A few notable peaks in the range include Mount Nebo, Mount Timpanogos, Twin Peaks, and Pfeifferhorn, the tallest being Mount Nebo at an elevation of roughly 12,000 feet. 

The wonders of the range extend far beyond elevation. The region contains a plethora of ecological features including alpine lakes, meadows, and forests, as well as habitats for animals like black bears, mountain lions, bighorn sheep, deer, and a variety of bird species. This cocktail of innate topographical, geologic, and ecological traits make the Wasatch Mountains a beautiful place to explore and cherish.

The Lake Effect

You may have heard the term “lake effect” thrown around in conversations about skiing or wintertime in Utah, but what does it actually mean? The “lake effect” essentially refers to the process by which cold air travels over a relatively warm body of water and collects moisture from the water. As the air moves away from lake regions and into colder areas, the moisture condenses and falls as precipitation in fairly localized areas. This mechanism often results in that famous fluffy “Utah-pow” appreciated by many skier and snowboarder enthusiasts. Another unique quality of the “lake-effect” is that it often provides heavy and consistent snowfall, making for predictable weather patterns and dependable parameters for ski resorts and other snow-reliant businesses. The Wasatch Range is the primary recipient of such sought-after conditions due to the proximity of the Great Salt Lake. Wasatch is home to some of the greatest skiing in the accessible today. Alta, Snowbird, and Snowbasin are just a few resorts among Northern Utah’s winter sports destinations that draw in people from not just the valley, but from across the world.  

Snowpack

With the consistent and substantial snowfall, the amount of snow accumulates quickly and greatly. This snowpack not only provides great conditions for skiing, but also serves as a major role in Utah’s water replenishment. Given that Utah is one of the driest states in the country, we rely heavily on our snowpack for fresh water. The water we get from the snowpack is used for drinking, agriculture, and industry, all of which are necessary for the community. As we are also prone to long-lasting droughts, it is beyond important to ensure our main source of freshwater is stable and well-functioning. Not to mention, the snowmelt runs to streams, rivers, and lakes that are key to the survival of various ecosystems. Wetlands and other riparian zones in particular are deeply dependent on annual snow-melt in order to thrive. 

Implications of a Changing Climate

As climate continues to change, the relationships between the Great Salt Lake and our beloved mountains do too. One of the growing concerns is the health and longevity of our lake and the cascade of impacts it will have on the Salt Lake community. It is anticipated that as temperatures rise, the Great Salt Lake will continue to shrink. This, of course, threatens the quality and abundance of our snowfall and snowpack as mentioned above. With less snow, Utah will not only suffer from poor skiing conditions (which will in turn impact economical benefits from tourism), but will also be subject to more extreme drought episodes and drier weather patterns. 

So, when we think about it, our snowfall isn’t just a good time out on the slopes. It’s a key role in the function of Salt Lake’s environment. It is our fun winters, our fresh water, and our healthy mountain ecosystems. The relationship between the Great Salt Lake, the snowfall, and our water supply are intricately connected with one another and must be prioritized as the life-sustaining system that it is. 

“Snow is the poetry of the earth.” – John Updike

Deeper Down

Something that has always fascinated me about the snow is the striking dichotomy between its unforgiving force and gentle intricacy, and I would be remiss not to acknowledge this complexity. Snow can sweep through entire forests in seconds. It can conjure icy blizzards out of the air,  shape entire landscapes, and harden into an icy defiance. But just as it creates these instances of terrifying force, so does it cushion our falls and kiss our eyelashes. Snowflakes, as beautiful and intricate as anything can be, teach us about fragility and vulnerability. Even the way it falls in a gentle patience, tenderly coming to rest on a decided piece of ground exemplifies the true range in its character: fierce, yet soft, destructive yet kind, a paradox of power.

Snow has a fleeting presence but lasting importance, and is something that I hope we all consider, or perhaps learn to consider, a precious thing. When I look up at the peaks, I cannot help but think of giant pats of butter blanketing the rocks, decadent layers of rich goodness that, when melted, intend to seep down into the cracks and crevices of the mountains, “plumping up” plants and nursing sleepy scenes out of their winter slumber. The stillness of winter can often evoke a sense of passiveness, a lack of activity. However, I’ve come to know that snow may very well be the opposite. It is a promise of sustenance and life and a reminder of renewal.

Though this article has taken a prominently academic tone, it is important to acknowledge that my intention in writing this extends far beyond facts and figures. Through this collection of photographs, I intend to emphasize the profound beauty and importance of our snow-capped mountains, and perhaps to inspire a sense of reverence and realization. This work is not only a visual celebration of our breath-taking peaks, but also a tribute to the significance of snow.