VIDEO: Utah’s red rock blanketed in snow following winter storms
BRYCE CANYON, Utah (ABC4) — Most thoughts of southern Utah come with visions of beautiful desert scenery and red rock canyons and formations. Very rarely do people associate the red rock landscape with snow.
However, that was exactly the scene following Utah’s latest winter storm.
Bryce Canyon National Park officials shared a video on social media showing crews clearing snow before revealing a beautiful vista of white snow blanketing the foggy red rock landscape. The southern Utah park, located about 130 miles northeast of St. George, reportedly received over 15 inches of new snow within 24 hours. Park officials said that brings the park’s total ground cover to 20 inches.
“This is a good thing! With its near-record snowpack, last year’s winter was one of the best in the state’s history, but up until now, this year’s snowfall has delivered less than half of last year’s totals,” Bryce Canyon said in its post. “After yesterday’s storm, and with more snow in the forecast through Saturday, we think the weather might be trying to play catch up.”
Southern Utah has seen its fair share of wet weather over the last week thanks to an atmospheric river moving into the region. While southern California has seen the brunt of that atmospheric river, Utah is getting the welcomed remnants which has resulted in rain and snow throughout the state.
Still, Utah isn’t exactly upset by the much-needed winter weather. All of the snow is creating for perfect days to enjoy some winter recreation. Bryce Canyon National Park, for example, said the Paria Viewpoint and Fairyland Point are great places for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. But that’s not to say the snow isn’t causing problems.
The southwest area mountains, which is near Bryce Canyon National Park, are under an avalanche warning with Utah Avalanche Center officials saying avalanche danger is high. Because of several days of strong wind and heavy snowfall from the atmospheric river, traveling in or under avalanche terrain is not recommended.
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Bryce Canyon officials closed the 18-mile Main Road temporarily past Sunset Point – or Mile 2.5 – due to storm impacts and snowplow operations. Park officials also said roads through the canyon are slick and while chains aren’t required it’s a good idea to slow down and be extra careful while driving in the park.
Things can always change very quickly though, according to National Park officials. Anyone planning on visiting the park can stay up to date on the latest conditions and view any park alerts by visiting the Bryce Canyon National Park website.
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