Cold Weather on the Way

Amanda Butterfield reportingThere's snow in the mountains, wind and rain in the valleys. The big story, though, is the cold. Expect the mercury to dip below freezing every night this week.

Grab an extra blanket and throw another log on the fire. Our first real taste of winter is here!

There was a lot of wind and rain in the Salt Lake valley today. We also had snow. And many people say it's about time.

Rich McCarty: "It was a welcome sign to see a little bit of winter coming in."

At higher elevations, the snow was there. It was enough to make Rich McCarty cold.

Rich McCarty: "It's pretty windy and snowy up there."

Enough to bring the plows out, and enough to make the ski resorts happy.

Hilary Reiter, Ski Utah: "We're shaping up pretty well."

Some resorts boast 12 inches over the weekend, but that may not be enough for a record ski season like last year's.

Hilary Reiter: "We got very spoiled."

In fact, there's not another storm system like today's in sight.

Brian McInerney, Hydrologist, National Weather Service: "It appears after this storm moves out, we're going under a sizable ridge, which will trap this cold air in the valley."

That means no snow for at least the next five to seven days.

Brian McInerney, Hydrologist, National Weather Service: "We really don't need that right now."

Not good news in a month that has added little to the snow pack and has been on average 10 degrees warmer than usual.

Hilary Reiter: "We're just praying to Mother Nature right now."

So, is this snow season and snow pack doomed? No.

Brian McInerney, Hydrologist, National Weather Service: "It's kind of wide open for the long range."

And that's what McCarty, who happens to work at a ski resort, wants to hear.

Rich Mcarty: "We need a few more storms like this so we can get rolling."

Some of the resorts up Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons are expected to open later this week. Most are hoping to open by Thanksgiving.

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