Salt Lake City, Utah – Drivers crossing Utah’s mountain passes tonight face whiteout bursts and wind gusts up to 65 mph as two powerful winter storms stack heavy snow through early Thursday, threatening major travel corridors including I-80, Parleys Canyon and routes near Brian Head.
According to the National Weather Service in Salt Lake City, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for the Wasatch Mountains, Western Uinta Mountains and Wasatch Back until 5 a.m. MST Thursday, while southern Utah’s mountains remain under warning until 5 p.m. Wednesday. Forecasters expect 1 to 2 feet of snow across the northern ranges, with up to 3 feet in the upper Cottonwoods and Bear River Mountains. Winds could gust as high as 65 mph along exposed ridgelines.
The first storm intensifies tonight into early Tuesday morning, delivering steady moderate to heavy snowfall that will likely trigger traction restrictions on I-80 near Logan Summit and through Parleys Canyon. Park City, Heber City and Huntsville could see 8 to 18 inches, with blowing snow reducing visibility during the Tuesday morning commute.
A stronger second system arrives Wednesday, adding another round of heavy snow into early Thursday. In southern Utah, Brian Head and the Tushar and Pine Valley ranges could measure 1 to 3 feet, with localized totals near 42 inches and gusts up to 60 mph.
UDOT warns mountain routes may become slick and snow-packed with chain controls possible. Travelers should delay non-essential trips, carry emergency supplies and check road conditions at udottraffic.utah.gov. Additional advisories remain possible through Thursday morning as the second storm exits.
