I think it's very confusing for the snakes in northern Utah. we have had beautiful, warm spring sunshine with the garters coming out and in full breeding mode, then this morning we wake up to snow on the ground! with the mild winter this year it did help many of the smaller garters from last years births to make it through. I found two beautiful little (5-6 inches) wandering garters sunning themselves earlier last week. I do believe, as has been said, that it may allow for more snakes to gear up and make it through next winter.