FIRST SNOW
The first snowfall of the year hit Utah mountains early Monday. Park City Mountain Resort received one foot of snow at the top of Jupiter Peak.
Last year, Park City broke a 20-year snowfall record, receiving 472 inches, which is 100 inches more than the annual average.
The Canyons Resort reported receiving nearly three inches of snow above the 8,000-foot elevation. Last year the first measurable snow didn't fall until early October.
Resorts are not scheduled to open until November, but have, in the past, opened in October with sufficient snow.
RAPTOR WATCH
Bird watchers will have the opportunity to view and learn more about migrating birds of prey on Saturday during Utah's annual Raptor Watch Day.
Viewing will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Orem Overlook along Squaw Peak Road, east of Orem. Squaw Peak Road is accessed via Provo Canyon Road. To reach Provo Canyon Road, exit I-15 at Exit 275 and travel eastbound on 800 North in Orem.
Raptor Watch Day is hosted annually by the Division of Wildlife Resources.
"With any luck and clear skies, people will get up-close glimpses of harriers, vultures, eagles, hawks and falcons as they continue their annual migration to the south," says Bob Walters, watchable wildlife coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources.
There will be people at the site to help identify passing birds of prey and to answer any questions they have about raptor migration.
For information call 801-538-4771.
RESERVOIR CLOSED
Matt Warner Reservoir in Uintah County is closed to fishing due to a toxic blue-green algae bloom. Fishing for and the harvest of any species of fish or crayfish will be prohibited until further notice.
The DWR posted signs at the reservoir following a health advisory issued by the Tri-County Health Department in the Uintah Basin. The advisory cautioned livestock owners to restrict their livestock and other animals from drinking water from the reservoir, and advised people not to drink or swim in the reservoir.
This health advisory is a result of recent cattle deaths associated with the algae bloom.
Blue-green algae blooms are common throughout the country in waters with high levels of nutrients, primarily phosphates and nitrates. These blooms usually occur during the hot summer months but dissipate in the fall with the onset of cooler weather. Unfortunately, these types of blooms may be intensified under drought conditions.
BOBSLED RIDES
Summer bobsled rides at the Utah Olympic Park will end this Sunday. "The Comet" reaches speeds of 70 miles per hour with four G's of force in the turns while dropping the equivalent of 40 stories in less than a minute.
The wheeled bobsled rides cost $65 per person.
Individuals can make reservations for winter bobsled rides on the iced track beginning Oct. 1. The Olympic sliding track is slated to open Nov. 3 for public winter bobsled rides. Winter rides will be available daily Wednesday to Sunday. The cost is $200 per person.
For information on winter or summer rides, call 435-658-4206 or send an e-mail to reservations@olyparks.com. People can also visit the park's Website at www.olyparks.com.
SNOWBASIN RACE
The Fifth Annual Uphill/ Downhill Race will be Saturday at Snowbasin. Participants have a choice of running both the uphill and downhill sections, or just the 2.7-mile uphill portion.
The race begins at Earl's Plaza, then goes up to the top of Needles Gondola, and then back down. Participants can pre-register by phone at 801-620-1000. Registration fee is $35. On race day, people can register at 6:45 a.m. at Earl's Lodge. Registration fee on race day is $45. The entry fee includes a T-shirt, lunch, gondola ride and a ticket for the raffle to win a Snowbasin Winter Season Pass.
The race will begin at 9 a.m.
Other activities are also scheduled on Saturday, including the Polkatonics and Swiss chorus, along with Bavarian style food served from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.
The race results will be posted and awards will be presented on Earl's plaza at approximately 1 p.m. There also will be a drawing for prizes.