Salt Lake City, Utah – Drivers heading over Utah’s highest mountain passes could face chain restrictions and near whiteout bursts by 8 a.m. Tuesday as heavy, wet snow and 80 mph ridge gusts slam elevations above 8,000 feet.
According to the National Weather Service in Salt Lake City, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect from 8 a.m. Tuesday until 5 p.m. MST Wednesday for the Wasatch Mountains and Western Uinta Mountains. Snow totals will range from 2 to 8 inches above 8,000 feet, increasing to 6 to 16 inches above 9,000 feet. The Bear River Range and Upper Cottonwoods could see isolated totals near 18 inches. Winds along exposed ridgelines may gust as high as 80 mph.
Travel will become hazardous at Logan Summit, along Mirror Lake Highway, through the Upper Cottonwoods near Alta and Brighton, and across Wolf Creek Pass. UDOT may enforce traction laws as snow levels rise from 6,500 feet Tuesday morning to near 10,000 feet overnight under heavier bursts.
The Utah Avalanche Center warns backcountry danger is already elevated, with dense, moisture-rich snow increasing slide potential. Officials urge drivers to slow down, check UDOT road reports before departure, and avoid backcountry travel without updated avalanche information. Advisories remain in effect through Wednesday afternoon, and additional alerts are possible if snowfall intensifies.
