Snow finally returns as storms blanket Salt Lake City and Wasatch peaks

Winter finally shows up along the Wasatch Front

After a record-warm, largely snowless start to winter, a strong storm system is delivering the first truly widespread snowfall of the season to Salt Lake City and surrounding valleys today. Forecasters expect 1–4 inches across much of the Salt Lake Valley, with higher foothill benches likely seeing several more inches as colder air settles in.

The same cold front is driving heavy mountain snow. Totals in the central Wasatch are expected to reach 1–3 feet by Thursday, with the Cottonwood Canyons once again in the bullseye. The burst of moisture follows an extended dry spell that left Utah with one of its worst midwinter snowpacks on record.

Heaviest snow targets Cottonwood Canyons

Multiple forecasts call for storm totals of two to nearly four feet at the higher-elevation resorts above Salt Lake City. Ski areas in Little and Big Cottonwood Canyons began reporting double-digit new snow on Tuesday, with steady accumulation expected through midweek as a second wave moves in.

While the new snow is a welcome reset for ski operations and tourism headed into late February and spring break season, transportation officials are warning of difficult travel in the canyons. Periods of heavy snow and strong winds will bring slick, snowpacked roads, intermittent closures, and chain or traction requirements.

High avalanche danger in backcountry

The rapid loading of deep, light powder onto a weak existing snowpack is creating dangerous conditions outside ski area boundaries. Avalanche forecasters say widespread unstable layers formed during the warm, dry stretch are now being stressed by several feet of new snow.

Backcountry users are being urged to avoid slopes steeper than about 30 degrees for the next several days and to carry full rescue gear. Natural and human-triggered avalanches are expected, especially on upper-elevation shady aspects where old faceted snow sits under the new storm slab.

Valley impacts: commutes, power, and perspective

For residents on the valley floor, today brings the kind of classic winter commute that has been largely missing this season. Slushy, snow-covered roads, brief whiteout bursts, and reduced visibility are possible through the evening drive. Light, powdery snow and gusty winds could also contribute to isolated power issues if bands stall over neighborhoods.

Even with this week’s storm, water managers note that the state remains behind on snowpack and will need continued storms into March and April to meaningfully close the gap. Still, for many along the Wasatch Front, waking up to fresh snow on the Oquirrhs and a white Salt Lake Valley feels like winter finally arrived.