Great Basin National Park In Nevada Saw Record-Shattering Snowfall This Winter

Nevada is a place of diverse landscapes and distinct seasons. From the desert floors to the mountain peaks, the state experiences hot summers, cold winters, cool pleasant springs, and colorful falls. Sometimes, though, a particular season is extraordinary, and this winter was just that, resulting in record snowfall at Great Basin National Park.

Great Basin National Park is one of the least-visited national parks in the country, despite its breathtakingly beautiful landscapes. Those who do venture into this spectacular park are awed by inspiring scenic roads and hiking trails, diverse wildlife, majestic mountain peaks, fascinating caves, and more.

Like much of Nevada, the climate in the park can be extreme with hot summers in Great Basin’s desert valleys and very cold, snowy winters.

The unprecedented 2022-2023 winter brought snowfall that broke at least two records in the park.

On April 1, 2023, measurements revealed that snowpack at one site at an elevation of 9,200 feet (Baker Creek Site #3) was 90.9 inches, nearly five inches over the highest record in 1952. Another site at 9,520 feet (Baker Creek Site #3) measured 111.3 inches, more than nine inches over the last record in 2005.

The park is blanketed in snow every year, resulting in a stunning white landscape and the park works to open roads as soon as possible in spring.

Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive has opened to Upper Lehman Campground, as have Baker Creek and Lexington Arch Roads. Caution is advised as conditions can change due to mud and snow melt. Bristlecone Parking Lot, which typically opens around Memorial each May, is anticipated to be closed until the beginning of July 2023. Other areas and trails will be opening as quickly as safely possible.

Winter is a quiet season at Great Basin and roads through the park are closed to vehicles, but generally, the park is open to snowshoers and skiers who find it a spectacular time to explore. Visitors can even camp in the Wheeler Peak Campground during winter.

With peaks as high as the 13,063-foot Wheeler Peak summit, Great Basin National Park’s slopes often still have areas of packed snow long after the winter months have passed. This year, snow in the park will be present long into the summer.

Conditions change quickly during spring when snow is melting. This can make it difficult to estimate the depth of snow in various areas and can mean increased possibilities of flash floods and avalanches in higher elevations.

Before visiting Great Basin National Park, make sure you check for current road and park conditions, weather, alerts, etc. to ensure a safe trip.

If you are a winter adventurer, you may be eager to see the record snowfall at Great Basin National Park. In addition to contacting the park’s visitor centers, you can get up-to-date information on the National Park Service website. Are you planning a visit? Check out these 10 hidden gems of Great Basin National Park.