- Many Utah resorts received 2-4 feet of snow from the largest storm pattern this season.
- Valley communities also collected their biggest snow totals of the winter.
- More snow expected in central and southern Utah on Thursday and Friday.
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah's largest storm of the season provided large numbers to chip away at its snow drought, and there's more on the way from one last leg of storm activity.
Alta Ski Area led the way with 4 feet of snow, accounting for nearly a quarter of 203 inches of snow it has received so far this season. Snowbird, Brighton and Solitude — also scattered throughout Big Cottonwood and Little Cottonwood canyons — collected over 3 feet of snow, as well.
Brian Head Resort in Iron County collected nearly 3 feet of snow, showcasing the impact the storm had in the mountains across the state. Many other resorts received close to or over 2 feet of snow. Nordic Valley Ski Resort in Weber County received nearly a foot, but officials said it's enough to help the resort reopen on Friday after it has been temporarily closed over the lack of snowfall this season.
The downside to that is a high avalanche danger across the mountains in the state, which resulted in a fatality in Wasatch County. The Utah Avalanche Center extended its avalanche warning through at least early Friday.
Wednesday's wave also produced some heavy valley totals for the first time this season. Smithfield received a foot of snow, while several other parts of the Wasatch Front and northern Utah also received over a half-foot of snow.
Salt Lake City officially received 2.4 inches of snow between Tuesday and Wednesday, easily surpassing its season total of 0.1 inches entering this week, and snapping a streak of 337 days without at least an inch of snow. Downtown Salt Lake City received 5 inches of snow.
Meanwhile, Utah's statewide snowpack has already gained 1.6 inches of snow water equivalent since Monday, helping lift this year's total out of record-low levels. It remains at 65% of normal for this point in the year, however, which is why one last leg of the storm pattern is helpful for the state's water supply.
More storm warnings, winter weather advisories issued
The final wave is tied to a low-pressure system that will move from northern California into central and southern Utah on Thursday. A mix of rain and snow will reach the southwest corner of the state in the afternoon, which will continue into the evening as it moves into southeast Utah, said KSL meteorologist Matt Johnson.
Some snow showers could push up into the southern half of the Wasatch Front as it moves through the state Friday morning, he said. Additional scattered showers are possible across northern Utah later in the day, though likely not producing much.
However, larger totals are possible in central and southern Utah. The National Weather Service issued new winter storm warnings for the central and southern mountains, which could receive 9 to 18 inches of snow by the end of Friday.
Warnings were also issued for Zion National Park, where 9 to 15 inches of snow is possible in areas above 6,000 feet elevation, and 1 to 4 inches is possible in lower elevation areas like Springdale. Parts of south-central Utah, including Kanab, may end up with 4 to 10 inches of additional snow, per the weather service.
Advisories were issued for other parts of the regions, which note that:
- The Wasatch Plateau/Book Cliffs could receive another 3 to 8 inches of snow.
- Another 2 to 8 inches is possible in and around Bryce Canyon, as well as communities across central, southwest and south-central Utah, like Cedar City, Price and Torrey.
Drier conditions are forecast for the weekend across the state, as temperatures slowly warm again, Johnson said. Another storm system could impact the state next week, but it's unclear yet if it will be as impactful as this week's pattern.
Full seven-day forecasts for areas across Utah can be found online at the KSL Weather Center.
