Jim Steenburgh

Jim Steenburgh is a Professor of Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Utah specializing in mountain weather and climate, orographic and lake-effect precipitation, weather analysis and forecasting, and numerical weather prediction. He joined the University of Utah faculty in 1995 and served as Department Chair from 2005-2011. An avid skier, he shares his expertise through his popular blog Wasatch Weather Weenies and his book Secrets of the Greatest Snow on Earth.

• B.S. in Meteorology from The Pennsylvania State University (1989)
• Ph.D. in Atmospheric Sciences from the University of Washington (1995)

Dr. Steenburgh's research focuses on winter storms in complex terrain, particularly in mountainous regions. His work spans mountain meteorology, lake-effect and sea-effect snow systems, and the interaction between weather systems and topography. He has conducted significant research on the Wasatch Mountains, Great Salt Lake region, Japan Sea, and other mountainous areas worldwide. His expertise in winter weather forecasting has practical applications for avalanche safety, ski industry forecasting, and understanding climate change impacts on mountain snowpack.

Analysis of Steenburgh's recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on lake-effect and sea-effect precipitation systems, particularly their interaction with terrain. His research combines observational studies with numerical modeling approaches to understand mesoscale weather phenomena. A significant portion of his work focuses on the Wasatch Mountains and Great Salt Lake region, while also expanding to international locations including Japan and the European Alps. His publications demonstrate an evolving research trajectory incorporating climate change impacts on mountain snow systems.

• Fellow, American Meteorological Society (2021)
• Fulbright Scholar, University of Innsbruck (2019)
• Distinguished Teaching Award, University of Utah (2024)
• Russel L. DeSouza Award, NSF Unidata Program (2024)
• Named Session Award, AMS Mountain Meteorology Committee (2018)
• Hosler Alumni Scholar Medal, Penn State University (2017)
• Outstanding Service Award, National Weather Service Western Region (2002)
• Outstanding Teaching Award, University of Utah (2001)

Steenburgh has secured substantial research funding from NSF, NASA, and other agencies, with current projects extending through 2025. His grants focus on mountain meteorology, lake-effect snow prediction, and improving winter weather forecasting in complex terrain. He has mentored numerous graduate students through projects like the Storm Peak Laboratory graduate education program and has been involved in several major field campaigns including the Ontario Winter Lake-effect Systems (OWLeS) and the Mountain Terrain Atmospheric Modeling and Observations (MATERHORN) program.

Dr. Steenburgh leads the Wasatch Weather Weenies blog, a collaborative effort with other meteorologists that provides real-time weather analysis and commentary, particularly focused on Utah's mountain weather. He has been instrumental in connecting academic research with practical weather forecasting applications, working closely with the National Weather Service and avalanche centers. His research group frequently collaborates with international partners, particularly in Japan where sea-effect snow systems share similarities with Utah's lake-effect snow events.