Scattered showers turning to heavy mountain snow in Utah Thursday night

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Happy Friday Eve, Utah! Our active weather will continue throughout the afternoon and evening as additional showers are expected across the area from the Wasatch Front eastward.

So, what’s the bottom line? Heavy mountain snow is expected overnight, and temperatures plummet well below the seasonal average.

A strong cold front will sweep through from northwest to southeast this evening into early Friday. Expect the heaviest rain and mountain snow with this front, as snow rates of 1-2 inches per hour are possible, helping snow accumulate even on warmer surfaces.

As the upper-level system reaches St. George, more intense rain and the chance of lightning will develop late Thursday, shifting toward Hanksville and Green River. Mountain snow will continue through Friday, with wraparound precipitation affecting areas in western Utah into Saturday.

Winter storm warnings now include the Wasatch Mountains north of I-80 and Uinta County, WY. Snow will likely accumulate on mountain roads, making travel hazardous. Anyone heading into the mountains should be prepared for winter weather conditions through Saturday.

Snow levels will start around 9,000 feet but could dip to about 5,000 feet after the cold front passes into early Friday. The mountains southeast of the Great Salt Lake and areas like the Uinta and Wasatch Mountains could see the heaviest snowfall with 12-24″ of snow in the forecast. 8-16″ will be possible for the Central & Southern mountains.

A winter storm warning is in place for these areas Thursday evening through Friday evening.  With snow levels dropping to 5,000 feet, our bench areas of the Wasatch Front will likely see minor accumulations as well.  A wintry mix can’t be ruled out for the lower valleys as well Friday morning as temperatures are expected to be in the upper 30s.

Freeze Watches are upgraded to warnings for parts of western Utah, and more areas may freeze Friday and Saturday mornings, including Box Elder, Utah Valley, and Castle Country. Cover frost-sensitive plants as a precaution. We’re also watching for potential lake-effect snow that could hit far western Salt Lake Valley, the Oquirrh Mountains, and Tooele Valley Thursday night if winds shift more northerly. Strong easterly winds may also affect the northern Wasatch Front Friday night into Saturday.

In short, winter conditions are expected in the mountains starting today and lasting through Saturday. Plan for winter driving and protect freeze-sensitive plants in many valleys Friday and Saturday mornings.

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