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(KSL News/AP) A spring snowstorm makes for a slow, slippery commute along parts of the Wasatch Front. The roads were so bad, the Utah Highway Patrol had to call in extra troopers.
KSL Newsradio reports 30 crashes or slid offs in the Salt Lake Valley this morning. Wrecks were reported along I-15 northbound and southbound, on Bangerter Highway, I-80, I-215, and in Weber Canyon near Mountain Green. One accident on Interstate-84 closed the road earlier this morning between Morgan and Ogden.
Roads in Utah County were reportedly wet but okay.
In some areas, interstate traffic was traveling only about 40 miles per hour. The east bench of Salt Lake City received up to six inches of snow. Other areas received only rain.
UHP says drivers need to slow down, even if they hit a break in the weather.
Sgt. Burk McBride, Utah Highway Patrol:" I came in from Tooele, the roads, wet, but when I hit 5600 West they were snowpacked, so it comes pretty quick and if you're not prepared it can surprise you and you can loose control real easy."
The snow should taper off this afternoon. The National Weather Service has issued a heavy snow warning and lake effect snow warning for much of northern Utah.
Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons were closed early this morning because of several slides, and concern of avalanches.
The past 24 hours, Little Cottonwood received 19 inches, and Big Cottonwood about 14 inches.
Ski resorts are loving this, with several now planning to stay open until May. Base depths at resorts are about twice as much snow as the same day last year.
(The Associated Press contributed to this story)
