Winter Storm Warning Issued for Wasatch Mountains and Western Uinta Mountains Through Thursday

Weather Alerts high NOAA · · Northern Utah Mountains

A major winter storm is expected to bring up to 3 feet of snow and very strong winds to the Wasatch Mountains and surrounding areas starting Monday evening.

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Salt Lake City has issued a Winter Storm Warning for several mountain ranges in Utah. The alert is effective from 5:00 PM MST on Monday, February 16, through 5:00 AM MST on Thursday, February 19.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the following regions:

  • Wasatch Mountains (I-80 North and South of I-80)
  • Western Uinta Mountains
  • Wasatch Back, including the Park City area
  • Upper Cottonwoods and Bear River Mountains

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers are advised to take the following precautions:

  • If travel is necessary, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle for emergencies.
  • Expect winter driving conditions on all mountain routes and be prepared for likely traction restrictions.
  • Monitor the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) for updated road conditions at udottraffic.utah.gov.

Expected Conditions

  • Snow Accumulation: Total accumulations are expected to be between 1 and 2 feet. Locally higher amounts of up to 3 feet are possible across the Upper Cottonwoods and Bear River Mountains.
  • Wind: Very strong winds are forecast to peak Monday evening and persist through at least Wednesday.
  • Impacts: Heavy snow and strong winds will create hazardous driving conditions on all mountain routes.

Timeline

  • Onset: The warning begins at 5:00 PM MST Monday, February 16.
  • Monday Night - Tuesday Afternoon: A period of heavy snow is expected.
  • Tuesday Afternoon: A brief lull in snowfall is anticipated.
  • Tuesday Evening: Snowfall is expected to ramp up again.
  • Wednesday: Another round of heavy snow is forecast for mid-day.
  • Expiration: The warning is scheduled to expire at 5:00 AM MST Thursday, February 19.

Source: NOAA Official Notice