Lake-effect snow leads to messy morning commute

SALT LAKE CITY — Dozens of crashes and heavy delays were reported across parts of the Wasatch Front as a band of lake-effect snow moved across the area Wednesday morning.

Utah Department of Transportation spokesperson John Gleason asked drivers to delay travel until after the morning commute, if possible, due to the “incredibly slick” road conditions.

Travel times from Provo to Salt Lake City stretched to over two hours at one point Wednesday, and the Utah Highway Patrol said troopers responded to at least 65 crashes.

Delay your travel if you can this morning. Roads are slick! #ksltv https://t.co/1DQOuZZvSc

— Tamara Vaifanua (@TamaraVaifanua) February 2, 2022

Gleason said UDOT’s snowplows were doing all they can, but there were trouble spots all across the Wasatch Front.

“Potential for slide-offs and crashes is fairly good on a morning like this,” he said.

Lakepoint had received 3″ of snow and Salt Lake City had received 2.8″ as of 6:20 a.m. The National Weather Service reported 2″ of snow in Midvale and another 3″ in Tooele. West Jordan had the highest report with 4″ of snow at 9 a.m., while north Orem saw 1.5″ and Lehi got an inch.

The traction law was in effect for both Big and Little Cottonwood canyons throughout the morning as well.

While the snow appears lighter, drivers reported having powder fly up while they’ve been driving, resulting in reduced visibility.

Several inches of snow in @WVCUT #utwx pic.twitter.com/kVcmwbJJdF

— Derek Petersen (@Derek_Photog) February 2, 2022

Multiple crashes were reported on Interstate 15, I-80, I-215 and state Route 201 while crews temporarily closed a section of Bangerter Highway near 5400 South.

The snow moved south, impacting I-15 in Utah County with several crashes reported in Lehi near the Point of the Mountain, and Provo and Spanish Fork.

The snow tapered off by 9 a.m. Wednesday and KSL meteorologist Grant Weyman said temperatures will remain low, dipping into the teens throughout the rest of the week before things warm up for the weekend.