SALT LAKE CITY — A snowpack forecast for the upcoming winter has Great Salt Lake advocates concerned about lake levels.

OpenSnow forecasters believe Utah could be in for a warm, dry winter, featuring snowfall that is below average.

The saline lake’s water levels rely on snowpack — average snowpack seasons help it maintain water, while above-average snowpack is necessary to increase the levels.

Per the forecast, an El Niño-Southern Oscillation or weak La Niña weather pattern is expected to occur this winter.

OpenSnow said the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration believes the chances of La Niña and El Niño are equal between October and January. From February to April, there’s a 60-65% chance of neutral conditions, with only a 25% chance of a La Niña pattern.

El Niño and La Ni

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