SALT LAKE CITY — A late-season surge of snowfall, culminating in over a foot of accumulation in the past 24 hours, has dramatically altered Utah’s winter landscape, though a lingering avalanche threat prompted closures and a fatality in Wasatch County. Alta Ski Area reported receiving 4 feet of snow, bringing its seasonal total to 203 inches, even as Snowbird, Brighton, and Solitude each recorded over 3 feet.
The storm’s impact extended beyond the Cottonwood canyons. Brian Head Resort in Iron County received nearly 3 feet, and Nordic Valley Ski Resort in Weber County accumulated close to a foot, enough to allow a reopening after a temporary closure due to earlier sparse snowfall. Smithfield, along the Wasatch Front, saw a foot of snow, and Salt Lake City officially recorded 2.4 inches between Tuesday and Wednesday, breaking a 337-day streak without at least an inch of snow. Downtown Salt Lake City received 5 inches.
The substantial snowfall has begun to address Utah’s snowpack deficit. The statewide snowpack gained 1.6 inches of snow water equivalent since Monday, lifting it to 65% of normal for this point in the year. Despite the improvement, officials say additional moisture is needed to fully replenish water supplies.
Although, the heavy snowfall has triggered a high avalanche danger. The Utah Avalanche Center extended its avalanche warning through at least Friday morning following a fatal incident in Wasatch County.
A final wave of the storm system is expected to move across the state Thursday, originating in northern California. KSL meteorologist Matt Johnson anticipates a mix of rain and snow will reach southwest Utah in the afternoon, spreading into southeast Utah by evening. Snow showers may extend into the southern Wasatch Front on Friday morning, with scattered showers possible across northern Utah later in the day.
The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings for central and southern mountains, forecasting 9 to 18 inches of snow through Friday. Zion National Park is under a warning for 9 to 15 inches of snow above 6,000 feet, and 1 to 4 inches at lower elevations like Springdale. South-central Utah, including Kanab, could receive 4 to 10 inches of additional snow.
Advisories are similarly in effect for the Wasatch Plateau/Book Cliffs (3 to 8 inches of snow), and areas around Bryce Canyon, Cedar City, Price, and Torrey (2 to 8 inches). Drier conditions are forecast for the weekend, with temperatures expected to rise. Another storm system is possible next week, but its potential impact remains uncertain.
Alta Ski Area, located just outside of Salt Lake City, annually receives over 500 inches of snow, and Snowbird boasts 500″+ annual snowfall and 2,500 acres of skiable terrain. Both resorts offer a variety of runs and experiences for skiers and snowboarders.
