- Resorts in Utah's northern half received over 2 feet of snow from recent storms.
- Winter weather advisories issued for Utah mountains and valleys, as more snow is expected.
- Cooler, drier conditions are forecasted for the weekend.
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah has significantly benefited from this week's series of storms.
Alta, Brighton, Snowbird and Solitude resorts in the Cottonwood canyons all received over 2 feet of snow between Sunday and Tuesday, while several other resorts across the state's northern half gained close to or even over a foot to 1½ feet of fresh powder.
What turned into the biggest storm of the season so far was great for winter recreation and for the state's water supply. Alta gained nearly 4 inches of water through the storm, which helped Little Cottonwood Canyon's snowpack jump from 58% of its median average on New Year's Day to 110% of its median average for this point in the year.
The state's average snowpack jumped from 57% of its median to 74% in just one week.
Many communities north of Salt Lake City were big winners, too, as Kaysville, the Ogden bench and Logan all ended up with over 0.75 inches of precipitation.
There's at least one more storm before things begin to settle down, which this time includes more valley snow.
The National Weather Service issued winter weather advisories across the state's mountains, which could receive another foot of snow or more by the end of Thursday. It also issued its first advisory of the season for the Wasatch Front and other valley communities, which could end up with a few inches of snow.
It's not expected to be the biggest storm, but it could create some Thursday commute headaches.
Storm timing
A pair of low-pressure systems — one from the southwest and another from the northwest — are colliding over the Four Corners, continuing the state's wet weather. A mix of valley rain and mountain snow impacted the state Wednesday afternoon and evening.
A cold front from the northwest storm is forecast to arrive by early Thursday, turning valley rain into snow. But a large portion of the storm's moisture may now end up in Nevada as the system pushes through, said KSL meteorologist Kevin Eubank.
"It's almost as if this storm has split and a chunk is staying west and diving south," he said. "That's weakened this storm. Bits and pieces will move through (during) the morning commute."
It may cause a slick commute. Drivers are urged to use moderate to high caution across most of Utah on Thursday morning, Utah Department of Transportation officials said.
Scattered showers are expected to continue into the afternoon as the system moves south and east. Lake-effect action could increase storm activity in areas southeast of the Great Salt Lake Thursday evening, which may cause additional travel issues as the storm moves out.
Some additional showers are possible early Friday, before the system clears out, Eubank adds.
Potential accumulations
Another 6 to 12 inches of snow are generally expected across the mountains in northern and central Utah, while 4 to 8 inches are possible in the southern mountains by Thursday night, according to the weather service's advisories. "Locally higher" totals are possible in the upper Cottonwood canyons and Bear River range.
❄️Our attention now turns to a colder system arriving late Wed that will bring valley snow between early Thursday AM and Friday AM.
— NWS Salt Lake City (@NWSSaltLakeCity) January 6, 2026
➡️Slow down if you encounter adverse driving conditions (especially for the Thu AM commute!) and allow more time to reach your destination. #utwxpic.twitter.com/E7NHDfnrvE
Lower elevations, including the Wasatch Back and valleys scattered across Utah's northern half, could receive a trace to 2 inches of snow by late Thursday, with lake-effect snow potentially enhancing totals southeast of the Great Salt Lake. Valley benches and the Wasatch Back could end up with 2 to 6 inches.
Salt Lake City has collected only 0.1 inches of snow so far this season, but one weather service model lists Utah's capital city as having over 70% chance of collecting an inch, and a 40% chance for more than that.
Rain is more likely closer to St. George, but there's a chance of some flurries.
A cool and dry weekend
Cooler and drier conditions are expected this weekend, as the system clears out. High temperatures may only top out in the mid-to-upper 30s across the Wasatch Front and northern Utah this weekend, with overnight lows in the teens closer to Logan and in the low 20s elsewhere.
Hazy conditions may also return across the Wasatch Front by the end of the weekend, as another lull in storm activity moves into the forecast, Eubank said.
High temperatures in southern Utah are forecast to return to the 50s by the end of the weekend. Full seven-day forecasts for areas across Utah can be found online at the KSL Weather Center.
