CEDAR CITY — Cedar Breaks National Monument has received record amounts of snowfall this winter.
As of April 12, the park is at 217% of normal snowpack for this time of year. The monument currently has 10 feet of snow with snow drifts 30 to 40 feet in depth covering the main road.
According to a news release, officials project the snowpack could last into the month of July. Accordingly, Cedar Breaks has delayed opening of its summer access and visitor services.
Summer visitor services at the temporary Information Center, including the Zion Forever Project park store, will begin on Friday, June 16. The Point Supreme campground services will open Friday, June 30.
Highways 148 and 143 remain closed. Visitors are encouraged to visit the monument’s website prior to their visit.
Cedar Breaks remains open as a winter playground for those on snowshoes, snowmobiles, skis and those who live inside the monument boundaries, said Interim Chief Ranger Jonathan Pyne.
The pika is a small, mountain-dwelling mammal found in Asia and North America. With short limbs, a round body, an even coat of fur and no external tail, they resemble their close relative, the rabbit, but with short, rounded ears.
“They live in specific rocky sections and are elusive, small and well-camouflaged,” Pyne told St. George News. “The photo submitted is from our wildlife ranger. He had to sit for a few hours to get the photo.”
Pyne said pika do not hibernate and stay active under the snow during winter.
Snowmobile access will remain open in the area until the Utah Department of transportation begins road clearing operations in mid-April.
Cedar Breaks National Monument was established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1933 and currently preserves the multicolored geologic spectacle of the Cedar Breaks amphitheater, scenic vistas, natural and cultural resources of scientific interest for public appreciation, education and recreation.
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