After dumping up to two feet of snow in the Sierra Nevada of California, a strong spring snowstorm moved across Nevada, Utah, and Colorado, leaving fresh snow in its wake to the delight of skiers and snowboarders in the Rocky Mountains and the Intermountain West. In the Wasatch Mountains of Utah, Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort reported a 17-inch 48-hour snowfall total, while neighboring Alta Ski Area logged 18 inches. Lesser amounts were recorded in the Wasatch Back, with Park City-area ski resorts of Park City Mountain Resort, Deer Valley, and The Canyons reporting 12 inches, 11 inches and eight inches, respectively. Southern Utah's Brian Head Resort east of Cedar City was a winner with 17 inches, while northern Utah resorts Powder Mountain (12 inches) and Snowbasin (11 inches) benefitted from the storm as well.
After leaving Utah, the storm crossed into Colorado. The four Aspen Skiing Company resorts reported up to a foot of new snow this morning. “It seems the snow gods are smiling on us,” said Rich Burkley, vice president, mountain operations, Aspen Skiing Company. “We decided to extend the season at Highlands and the snow started falling. We may be skiing into June if this keeps up.”
Vail this morning reported eight inches of fresh snow overnight and 10 inches in the past 48 hours. Similar accumulations were tallied at nearby Beaver Creek. The storm has continued throughout the day and the Front Range of Colorado is currently under a winter storm warning through this evening.