Why Snowmaking Has Been Limited at Utah Olympic Park

We’ve received a few questions about snowmaking at Utah Olympic Park in Park City, and we’re happy to share a little more about how the process works and why weather conditions play such an important role.

Snowmaking Is About More Than Just Temperature

It’s common to think that snow can be made anytime temperatures are near freezing, but snowmaking actually depends on a combination of factors. One of the most important is wet-bulb temperature, which takes both air temperature and humidity into account. This measurement helps determine whether water sprayed into the air will freeze before it reaches the ground.

In general, snowmaking becomes effective when the wet-bulb temperature is around 28°F or lower. Colder and drier conditions—often between 10–20°F—allow snow to form more quickly and efficiently.

What We’ve Seen Recently in Park City

From November 24 through December 15, Park City experienced a mix of weather patterns, including several warmer-than-normal daytime temperatures in the 40s and low 50s, along with moderate humidity. Overnight temperatures did occasionally dip closer to freezing, but the added moisture in the air often meant wet-bulb temperatures remained higher than what’s ideal for consistent snowmaking.

Based on available temperature and humidity data from this period, the average wet-bulb temperature is estimated to have been in the mid-to-upper 30s, which is above the typical threshold needed to make snow effectively. While there were brief windows that came close, they weren’t long or cold enough to allow snowmaking to happen efficiently.

Why Conditions Matter

Snowmaking works by spraying fine droplets of water into the air, where they cool and freeze into snow crystals as they fall. Colder, drier air allows this process to happen more easily. When the air is warmer or more humid, droplets take longer to freeze and may reach the ground as water instead of snow.

Wind also plays a role—calmer conditions give droplets more time to freeze before being carried away.

A Thoughtful, Weather-Driven Approach

Snowmaking requires significant resources, including water and energy, so timing matters. Our team closely monitors weather conditions to identify the best opportunities to make snow in a way that’s effective, responsible, and supportive of long-term snow quality.

Looking Ahead

As soon as colder and drier conditions return and wet-bulb temperatures drop into a favorable range, snowmaking will resume. Overnight temperature trends are especially important, and we’re ready to move quickly when conditions align.

We appreciate everyone’s curiosity and interest. Snowmaking is both a science and a collaboration with the weather, and we’re always happy to help explain how it works and what we’re watching for as the season progresses.