Larger storm taunts Utah with much-needed moisture while spring looms

SALT LAKE CITY — After a winter that lacked the type of heavy-hitting storms Utah is used to, spring will at least be welcomed after the state gets a big drink. Especially after the 2023 season shattered records previously held in the 1930s, by March this year, the state seemed to have suffered a particularly dry spell. In fact, Salt Lake City ended its meteorological winter with an annual snowfall total of 11.4 inches — the lowest since the National Weather Service began collecting records in 1874. That's why KSL Meteorologist Matthew Johnson says he's excited at the forecast this week. After a small storm Monday gave southern Utah some much-needed moisture, another storm is slated to give both northern and southern parts of the state some more downfall. "I like the looks of the mountain snow we'll be seeing from this multi-day storm," Johnson said Tuesday. "This thing is bringing a lot of water with it and should boost snowpack numbers statewide which is what we desperately need down in southern Utah."

Wasatch Front

Johnson said the storm will likely start with valley rain in the Wasatch Front Wednesday and progress from there. For some areas, the rain might not appear until Thursday morning. The snow level elevation in the Wasatch Front will start at about 6,000 feet, and increase to 6,500 Thursday morning before dropping to 5,000 Thursday afternoon. On Friday, the snow level is expected to meet the valley floor around 4,300 feet — but it will hover. For that reason, Johnson said weather models are predicting a variation of outcomes in the valley, ranging from zero to five inches of snow. "Our best window for valley snow is Thursday evening to Friday with almost certain snowfall Friday morning," Johnson said. Still, Johnson said a downsloping wind effect from the Oquirrh Mountains may occur, which typically lowers precipitation totals in Salt Lake City. Other surrounding areas might see more.

RAIN SHADOWING: Notice how Salt Lake City has lower totals than other locations. This is hi-res models picking up on the chance for rain shadowing. A downsloping wind effect from the Oquirrh Mountains, which usually can lower precip totals for SLC. Something to watch. #utwxpic.twitter.com/hCOnJCR9gd — Matthew Johnson (@KSL_Matt) March 5, 2025

Wasatch Back

With the snow level on Wednesday resting around 6,000 feet, the mountains should see snow all three days. The ongoing snow could bring closures in Utah's canyons ahead of the weekend for snow removal and avalanche mitigation. With recent avalanche conditions being very dangerous, the storm will likely continue to cause a prevalent avalanche warning that could be deadly. The National Weather Service additionally warned traction laws would likely be in place, and rated the weather risk as "moderate," saying travelers may want to delay. A National Blend of Models showed an "impressive" amount of snow in Utah's mountain ranges from Wednesday to Friday, Johnson said, and his estimate was around 20 to 35 inches of snow near Alta, and about 10 to 20 inches near Brian Head.

A storm system will bring 1-2 feet of mountain snow from Wednesday afternoon through Friday for most of Utah's mountains. Rain is likely most of the event for valleys, but higher elevation valleys along with southwest Wyoming will receive accumulating snow. #utwx#wywxpic.twitter.com/QgjelFEBDQ — NWS Salt Lake City (@NWSSaltLakeCity) March 5, 2025

Southern Utah

In the southern half of the state, most valleys will see rain from the three-day storm, but the dry landscape will be grateful. The southern mountains, however, may see a foot to two feet of snow, which experts are hoping the storm delivers. In St. George, Johnson said Wednesday would likely be mostly cloudy, with some isolated showers before nightfall. More scattered rain is likely on Thursday. The precipitation from this storm system should move out of all areas in Utah before the weekend, when Johnson said the forecast will turn up with sunshine before another storm the following week.

Contributing: Carter Williams, KSL.com

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