Climate & Weather
How Elevation Affects Weather: A Complete Guide
Discover the fascinating relationship between elevation and weather patterns.
Elevation of Salt Lake City, Utah
1288 meters elevation
Sea Level (0m)Mount Everest (8,848m)
-8.4°C
Temperature Drop
86.8kPa
Air Pressure
85.6%
Oxygen Level
Quick Facts
Elevation1288 meters
Everest Comparison14.6% of Everest
Altitude Risk✅ Low RiskBelow altitude sickness threshold
RegionUtah
Highest PointGrandview Peak (2938 meters)
Notable Landmarks
Ensign Peak
1663 meterselevation
Mount Olympus Summit
2927 meterselevation
Temple Square
1288 meterselevation
University of Utah
1436 meterselevation
This Is The Place Heritage Park
1524 meterselevation
Geographic Features
Salt Lake City lies in a dramatic setting between the Wasatch Range to the east and the Great Salt Lake to the northwest. The city occupies part of the ancient Lake Bonneville basin, with distinct 'bench' levels marking former shorelines at various elevations (notably the Bonneville and Provo levels at 1,552m and 1,444m respectively). The Wasatch Fault, running north-south along the mountain front, creates an abrupt elevation change from the valley floor (1,288m) to peaks exceeding 3,000 meters. The city's eastern limits climb the Wasatch foothills through a series of alluvial fans, while the western portions extend into the nearly level salt flats. Several glacially-carved canyons (including City Creek, Red Butte, and Emigration) cut through the Wasatch Range, creating important transportation corridors and watershed areas.
Climate Impact
The city's elevation creates a unique climate regime influenced by both its height and position between mountains and lake. The elevation produces a semi-arid climate with four distinct seasons, while the significant elevation gradient (from 1,288m to over 2,900m in the nearby mountains) creates pronounced microclimates. Temperature differences between the valley floor and upper benches can reach 5-8°C during winter inversions, with cold air pooling in the valley bottom. The Wasatch Range produces substantial orographic enhancement of precipitation, with upper elevations receiving more than twice the valley's annual snowfall. Lake-effect snow from the Great Salt Lake is amplified by the elevation difference between the lake surface (1,280m) and the surrounding terrain. During summer, the elevation helps moderate temperatures through adiabatic cooling, though the valley position can trap heat during high-pressure systems.
Historical Context
Salt Lake City's relationship with elevation has been fundamental since its founding in 1847, when Brigham Young chose the site partly for its natural terraces providing flood protection and irrigation potential. The Mormon pioneers utilized the ancient Lake Bonneville benches for their initial settlement, taking advantage of the natural elevation drops for water distribution. The city's distinctive wide streets and grid system were laid out with reference to Temple Square's elevation as the baseline. The development of mining in the late 19th century was closely tied to elevation, with numerous mines established in the higher elevations of the Wasatch Range. The creation of mountain watersheds and reservoirs in the early 1900s utilized elevation differences for gravity-fed water systems. The establishment of Alta (1938) and other ski resorts took advantage of the dramatic elevation changes for winter recreation. Modern Salt Lake City continues to be shaped by elevation considerations, with the Wasatch Front's growth pattern following the benchlands while preserving the critical upper elevation watersheds through initiatives like the Wasatch Canyons Master Plan.
Cities with Similar Elevation
FAQs: Salt Lake City's Elevation
What is the elevation of Salt Lake City?
Salt Lake City has an elevation of 1288 meters, which influences its climate and environment.
How does Salt Lake City's elevation affect its weather?
The elevation of Salt Lake City (1288 meters) significantly impacts its local climate, affecting temperature ranges, precipitation patterns, and atmospheric pressure.
What are the highest points near Salt Lake City?
The highest point in Salt Lake City is Grandview Peak (2938 meters), providing unique perspectives of the surrounding landscape.
