ksl coverage centers on a fresh round of winter weather advisories in Utah as another storm lines up to impact more of the state over the next few days, with mountain snow and the potential for some valley snow creating the risk of slick commutes late this week (ET).
What Happens When the incoming storm spreads beyond northern Utah?
A storm that moved through Utah’s northern half earlier this week brought meaningful moisture to a drought-stricken region. Totals included nearly a half-inch of rain in Provo, 0. 83 inches in Salt Lake City, and over an inch across many communities north of the capital, with more than 2 inches in North Ogden. Ski areas also picked up snow, with Beaver Mountain and Cherry Peak resorts each collecting a foot.
Now, another system is expected to extend impacts to more regions. The National Weather Service issued winter weather advisories that blanket Utah’s mountains and high-elevation communities. Those areas could receive another foot of snow or more by the end of the workweek, while some valley floors could see rain that may switch over to snow as colder air arrives.
What If valley rain flips to snow during the Thursday-Friday window?
Matt Johnson, meteorologist at KSL, described the setup as a storm that is not especially large for Utah but still capable of producing “pretty good snow, ” with the brunt of the system tracking just east of the state. He said Wednesday is expected to be mild and breezy, with temperatures reaching the upper 50s and lower 60s across the Wasatch Front and northern Utah, before the pattern changes.
Johnson said a low-pressure system over the Pacific Northwest Wednesday morning is expected to work into Utah by Wednesday afternoon or evening. Northern Utah is expected to see a mix of valley rain and mountain snow first, with the system sweeping into more regions early Thursday. As the initial cold front passes through, rain may transition to snow in the valleys.
Johnson said the storm’s core moves into Utah later Thursday, with showers more scattered during the day. By Thursday afternoon and evening, snow showers become more likely, keeping snow showers in play from north to south down to Fillmore. More scattered showers remain possible through Friday afternoon before the system exits toward the weekend.
What Happens When winter weather advisories replace parts of the earlier watch?
The National Weather Service initially issued a winter storm watch for some parts of Utah, then downgraded those sections to align with advisories issued elsewhere in the state. The advisories outline a range of possible snowfall totals by region and elevation:
| Area | Expected snowfall window | Potential totals noted in advisories |
|---|---|---|
| Wasatch, West Uinta, and central mountains | Wednesday night to Friday afternoon | 6 to 12 inches; up to 18 inches possible in the upper Cottonwood Canyons |
| Wasatch Back communities | Through Friday evening | 2 to 6 inches |
| Wasatch Plateau/Book Cliffs and southern mountains | Advisory period through late week | 2 to 8 inches |
| Sanpete and Sevier valleys | Advisory period through late week | 1 to 3 inches possible |
Forecasters also flagged travel impacts as a key concern. With precipitation and temperature changes arriving during typical commute windows, there could be slick morning commutes on Thursday and Friday (ET).
Snow amounts away from the mountains are less certain. Federal forecasters said estimates are “highly uncertain” and depend on where the snow line forms and other factors. Even so, the system could produce at least a trace of snow from Logan to Cedar City between Thursday and Friday. The odds of at least an inch vary by location, ranging from 50% in Ogden to 70% in Beaver.
Beyond day-to-day travel, the storm also matters for longer-term water conditions. Additional snowfall should help Utah’s mountain snowpack, which remains under stress. The statewide snow water equivalent total of 8 inches was described as just above the record low for early March, highlighting why even a modest storm can be significant.
