Avalanches Strand Dozens In Chile; Utah's Snowiest Two-Year Period On Record; + The AMO Is Turning Cold With Global Implications

The AGW Party's day in the sun is ending...

Avalanches Strand Dozens in Chile

The recent record-breaking snowfall has stranded dozens of people in mountain towns east of Santiago, Chile following a number of avalanches. The snow combined with extreme cold has caused significant disruptions, blocking roads, knocking out the power, and isolating communities.

In the Chilean province of Maipo, for example, heavy snowstorms have led to towering accumulations. Two towns in the Cajon del Maipo mountain range, along with a ski center, have been cut off, with authorities working to reach and evacuate those stranded.

At Lagunillas Ski Center, some 33 people, including 8 children, remain trapped, but food supplies have been successfully delivered. While in Lo Barnechea, Carabineros an avalanche buried Route G-251 in Valle Nevado, burying at least one vehicle:

“In Chile, Carabineros and municipal personnel from Lo Barnechea rescued a missing person after their vehicle was hit by an avalanche on Route G-251 in Valle Nevado” — Volcaholic on X.

Another avalanche blocked a nearby mountain pass, trapping nine people in the town of Banos Morales and 20 in Lo Valdes. Authorities are awaiting snow plows to clear the roads, which are reported to be under some 33 feet (10 meters) of snow.

The June extremes in South America have resulted in one of the deepest snowpacks on record so early into a season. In Chile, Ski Portillo is topping 15 feet, with Las Leñas in Argentina already exceeding 20 feet — with much more to come.

Utah's Snowiest Two-Year Period On Record

Utah has set a remarkable record for the snowiest two-year period in its history, receiving 131% of its average snowfall — data courtesy of the Utah Avalanche Center's recently released annual report.

"Utah experienced another exceptional snowpack this winter. Following the historic snowfall of the 2022-2023 season, we saw 131% of the average snowfall this winter across the State, setting a record for the snowiest two-year period in Utah’s history," reads the opening lines of the report.