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Park City Faces Snow Drought, Winter Tourism at Risk

2/8/2026

Center

Snow Drought Threatens

Park City, Utah, is experiencing a winter snow drought, recording 85 inches of snowfall this season versus the 300-inch average.
Two-thirds of trails remain open, but overall ski conditions are limited.
Experts warn the snow shortage threatens water supplies and the winter tourism that local economies rely on.
Despite the bleak outlook, there is cautious optimism for potential snowstorms in the coming weeks that could improve conditions.

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Winter Weather Anomalies

This winter, the United States experienced unusual weather, with the Carolinas facing historic snowfall and the eastern U.S. enduring cold.
Western states saw unseasonably warm temperatures, while Florida reported more snow than Salt Lake City (flurries to 1.3 inches).
Salt Lake City recorded only a tenth of an inch, far below its average of nearly 13 inches.
Jonathon Meyer, assistant state climatologist, said Utah's precipitation resembled ice pellets, not snow.

History

Historical Context

California's severe drought in 1977 saw reservoirs drop to 30% capacity, leading to significant water conservation measures and a 40% decline in winter tourism. This historical drought parallels today's conditions in Park City, Utah, where snowfall has plummeted to 85 inches, far below the 300-inch average, underscoring the growing unpredictability of winter weather and its economic implications for tourism.

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Snow Drought Threatens

Park City, Utah, is experiencing a winter snow drought, recording 85 inches of snowfall this season versus the 300-inch average.
Two-thirds of trails remain open, but overall ski conditions are limited.
Experts warn the snow shortage threatens water supplies and the winter tourism that local economies rely on.
Despite the bleak outlook, there is cautious optimism for potential snowstorms in the coming weeks that could improve conditions.

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