Winter Storm Warning Will Affect Travel In Utah

A big, warm, wet, windy storm is expected to hit Utah tonight and Thursday. It will produce considerable rain in many valley locations and may dump up 20 or more inches of snow at higher elevations.

The storm is good news for our ski resorts, where new snow is always welcome, and we certainly need the water it will bring. Travelers need to use caution because roads may become treacherous. People who enjoy snowmobiling or cross country skiing in the backcountry need to be aware that avalanche danger will increase.

(Avalanche control work is done at developed ski resorts and along major roadways and so there is little danger in those areas.)

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for much of Utah. In addition, the Utah Avalanche Center has issued avalanche watch.

AVALANCHE WATCH

THIS AVALANCHE WATCH IS FOR ALL THE MOUNTAINS OF NORTHERN AND CENTRAL UTAH, TO INCLUDE THE WESTERN UINTA MOUNTAINS...AND AS FAR SOUTH AS THE FISHLAKE PLATEAU AND ALONG THE I-70 CORRIDOR. EXPECTED HEAVY SNOWFALL AND STRONG WINDS WILL CREATE DANGEROUS AVALANCHE CONDITIONS THROUGH THE REST OF THE WEEK AND INTO THE WEEKEND.

Here are details from the winter storm warning. Read the entire warning.

Timing: snow will redevelop by early evening, becoming heavy and slowly spreading southward through the overnight hours. The snow will continue at times Thursday into Thursday night before tapering off.

Snow levels: near 8000 feet this evening, then falling below 6000 feet from north to south late night through Thursday morning.

Come and play in Utah. Just take care as you travel.