If it were later in the water year, Utah's current snowpack shortages would be a problem.
But it's early yet, water watchers say.To resort owners and the skiers and snowboarders they attract, the current lack of snowpack translates into financial and recreational disaster.
But those who study the state's water outlook aren't so glum . . . yet.
"The bottom line is, there is a long period during which you accumulate your snowpack," said Randy Julander, snow survey supervisor for the Natural Resources Conservation Service. "It didn't start off too well. But it's not a cause for great consternation at this time."
Utah's current water year began in October, only a month ago - leaving the state several months to play catch-up. If it were February, March or April and snow surveys were showing such a deficit, that would constitute more of a threat for drought, according to Julander.
On the heels of a bumper crop of snow in 1994, the existing dry spell seems even more severe. Overall, Utah stands at 64 percent of average total precipitation. Last year at this time, several heavy storms left the state more than double that amount - at 145 percent of normal in terms of total moisture.
"The last water year was really great," agreed William J. Alder, meteorologist in charge of the Salt Lake forecast office, National Weather Service.
Where Alta received 206 inches of snow during November last year, only 25 inches of snow has fallen at the resort town this month. Neither figure is close to normal. The longtime average is 73 inches.
"October isn't too important," Alder said. "November starts to be one of the more important but not as important as the upcoming months."
Farther south, the situation is even more extreme.
One year ago, the Virgin River basin also stood at nearly 11/2 times its average total precipitation. With the basin reporting in at 7 percent of normal so far this water year, residents there are reminded they live in a desert.
But folks in Utah's Dixie, along with Julander, have faith in the man's recollection of the popular maxim, "If you don't like the weather, hang around 10 minutes and it will change."
Utah's top weather forecaster is equally pragmatic.
"We're kind of starting off the water year on a dry note," Alder said. "I don't think we should worry yet. We've got some time to make up. If it were like this the first part of February, I'd worry."