Can Utah’s ski industry survive climate change?
A variety of other factors are also cause for concern when it comes to snowfall in
Utah’s mountains. Climate scientists say that temperatures are rising in Utah but
that we’re also experiencing less dry years on average, which both contribute to the
danger of avalanches as the snow rapidly melts. Meanwhile, University of Utah research
has raised the alarm about dust storms from a drying Great Salt Lake — and how that
dust can cause snow to melt earlier than usual.
A panel of scientists — and Olympic athletes — tackle the question: Can Utah’s Ski Industry Survive Climate Change? Speaking on the panel: McKenzie Skiles, assistant professor in the University of Utah’s Geography department.