Is Salt Lake City’s Early To Mid-February Snow Dump A Coincidence or Predictable Pattern?

February 2024

As a long-time resident of Holladay, Utah, I’ve observed an interesting phenomenon over the years.  At least it is to me.  Nearly every year, sometime between February 3rd and 22nd, our neighborhood … and therefore the city ... gets hit with our heaviest snowstorm of the winter. 

This isn’t just a dusting.  It’s often a full-blown snow event bringing anywhere from 10 to 20 inches of snow in a couple days.  I first started noticing this pattern more than 10 years ago.  I even started documenting it with some photos although I missed some years. 

This pattern seemed to be true for a lot of the years although some of the drier more recent winters haven’t had the snowfall we’ve been so used to in northern Utah.  I decided to dig a little deeper.

Was this just a coincidence or is there truly something predictable about the early to mid-February snowfall in the Salt Lake City area and specifically in Holladay where I live?

To answer this question, I researched past weather data, analyzed snowfall patterns and spoke with other long-time residents … my family … some of whom have also noticed this recurring event.  The results were intriguing.

While every winter is different, a striking pattern does emerge.  Northern Utah snowfall in February is frequently punctuated by an early to mid-February snowstorm that often delivers the biggest snow dump of the season. 

But what causes this? And how long has this been happening?  Let’s look a little closer.

We Were Here February 2024 - Lake Havasu, AZ

Is There Really a Pattern?

At first glance, Utah’s winter weather is seemingly unpredictable.  Some years bring heavy snowfall while others leave skiers and snowboarders wishing for more powder.  However, when I examined weather records for Salt Lake City and its suburbs over the past 25 years, a compelling trend emerged.

Salt Lake City’s winter climate is shaped by its unique geography.  Nestled between the Wasatch Mountains and the Great Salt Lake, it experiences both mountain-driven snowfall and lake-enhanced precipitation … the lake effect.

While snow can fall at any time between November and April, February consistently stands out as one of the snowiest months of the year.  On average, Salt Lake City receives about 10.7 inches of snow in February but individual years can vary widely with some Februarys … and even individual February days … seeing over 20 inches.

What’s striking is the clustering of major snowstorms around early to mid-February.  While the specific dates vary slightly, snowfall records reveal that many of the biggest winter storms in recent history have hit Salt Lake City and Holladay between February 3rd and 22nd.  In particular, February 13th and 15th appear frequently in snowfall data as days when a significant winter storm has impacted the area.

February 2023

Average Snowfall In Early to Mid February

To put this pattern to the test, I did a little research focusing on February 15th and the surrounding five days (February 10 - 20) over the past 25 years.  While daily snowfall amounts fluctuate, several key takeaways emerged:

• High Variability – Some years saw relatively little snowfall during this period while others recorded over a foot of accumulation.
• Frequent Storm Activity – In over 60% of the years analyzed, at least one significant snowfall event occurred in the February 10th – 20th range.
• Heavy Snowfall Events – In 10 of the last 25 years, snowfall totals for this period exceeded 10 inches and, in several instances, they surpassed 15 inches.
• Notable Years – For example, on February 13, 2021, Salt Lake City recorded 11.7 inches of snow in a single day making it the snowiest February day on record.  Of course, whatever Salt Lake City gets, Holladay … where I live … usually gets 4” – 6” more because it is higher in altitude and real close to the east-side mountains.

This data suggests that early to mid-February heavier snowfall in Northern Utah is not just anecdotal but a seemingly recurring meteorological event.

February 2021

What Causes This Mid-February Snow Pattern?

Understanding why these mid-February snowstorms happen requires a look at the broader weather patterns affecting Utah.  Several factors contribute to this recurring snowfall event:

1. Pacific Storm Systems – By February, strong storm systems originating from the Pacific Ocean frequently track inland bringing heavy moisture to Utah.  These systems tend to be cold producing significant snowfall.  Not so much this year unfortunately.
2. Jet Stream Positioning – During mid-winter, the jet stream often dips southward directing storms over the Great Basin and Wasatch Front.  This contributes to storm activity right around the middle of February.
3. The Great Salt Lake Effect – While lake-effect snow is more common in early winter, moisture from the Great Salt Lake can still enhance snowfall in February particularly when cold air masses move over the region.
4. Mountain Influence – The Wasatch Mountains act as a barrier forcing moist air to rise, cool, and condense into snowfall.  This orographic effect is one of the reasons why Holladay, being closer to the mountains, often receives more snow than downtown Salt Lake City. 

Taken together, these factors help explain why Salt Lake City and Holladay so frequently experience a mid-February snow dump.

February 2020

Is It Truly a Predictable Pattern?

While trends are clear, it’s important to note that weather is never entirely predictable.  I’m not a meteorologist so nothing about this article comes from knowledge about this subject.  It’s just anecdotal with a little fun research thrown in.

Some years deviate from the pattern.  For example, the winter of 2024–2025 has been a below-average snowfall year overall with Salt Lake City receiving less than 12 inches of total snow by mid-February compared to the usual 3 feet.  However, even in lower-snow years, there has often been at least one significant storm around the middle of February.

And, right on cue as I write this, we got hit with probably our biggest snowfall of the year this year.  This storm hit us Thursday morning the 20th and it snowed through the day.  Although not one of those historic big ones, we still received about 4” - 5” of snow at my home in Holladay.

I know.  It wasn’t much for Utah but this has been an extremely snowless winter for us at least down in the city.  Thankfully, the mountains have been getting hit pretty well.

This suggests that while we can’t set our watches to a precise snowstorm on February 15th, the chances of significant snowfall in early to mid-February remain higher than during other winter periods.

February 2019

Personal Observations

For those of us who live in Holladay and the Salt Lake Valley, these mid-February storms have become a defining part of winter.  I can recall multiple instances where this storm arrived right on cue covering everything in a thick blanket of Utah’s famous powder.  As much as 20” in my yard from one storm.

When one of these big ones hit … with 14” – 20” in one storm … we just watch it come down in awe.  It’s almost serene to go outside the morning after one of these big ones hits especially with the silence.  It may only be punctuated by the sound of snowblowers and shovels trying to clear sidewalks and driveways.  It is especially enjoyable for me as I no longer have to commute to work.

The economic impact of these snowstorms is significant.  Utah’s ski industry, which contributes over $1.5 billion to the state’s economy annually, relies on consistent snowfall.  February is one of the busiest months for ski tourism and a mid-February snowstorm can be a boon for resorts.  Skiers eagerly hit the crowded slopes to enjoy some of the best snow conditions of the season.

February 2018

Conclusion

So, is my initial thought about the mid-February snow pattern in the Salt Lake City area Holladay accurate?  The evidence suggests that it might be.  While snowfall amounts vary, historical data shows a clear trend of significant snowstorms occurring in this window nearly every year.

The combination of Pacific storm systems, jet stream positioning, mountain influence and occasional lake-effect enhancement makes this period one of the most likely times for a major snowfall event in Northern Utah.

For Utah residents, travelers, and skiing enthusiasts, keeping an eye on the forecast from early to mid-February may be beneficial.  If you’re looking to experience some of the best powder conditions of the season, history suggests that early to mid-February is a great time to hit the slopes.

Have you noticed this mid-February snowfall trend?  Please check out the photos in this article.  Share your experiences in the comments and let’s see if this fascinating weather phenomenon holds true in the future.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Canyonlands National Park

Wasatch Mountains

Lake Powell

Zion National Park

Arches National Park

Great Salt Lake

Monument Valley