Snowy conditions expected this weekend
Dec 9, 2022, 2:34 PM | Updated: 3:57 pm
SALT LAKE CITY — Winter storms will keep rolling across a parched Utah through this weekend.
A smaller storm brushed northern Utah Friday morning and brought some light snow across the northern Wasatch Front.
After a cloudy and dry Saturday conditions will change.
“Sunday a larger storm brings in valley rain showers by afternoon and snow for Sunday overnight into Monday,” KSL meteorologist Matthew Johnson said. “Snow Monday morning could linger through the day. Early look at snow totals for the valley 2-5″, 3-6″ Mountains 1-2 feet or more.”
Due to the extended drought, the region really needs a snowy winter.
As of late November, snowpack in nearly every basin in the state is well above average. But this time of season, it doesn’t take much snow on the ground to be above average. The Utah Snow Survey Supervisor has a number in mind that would make a dent in the drought.
“It’s fantastic,” Hydrologist Jordan Clayton said about the snowfall so far. “We are off to a nice, early start with our snowpack. We’re seeing a really good boost to our snow water totals, and that’s nice to see.”
While snowpack looks promising, Clayton is quick to remind everyone that snowpack and snow water equivalent numbers don’t mean much this early in the snow season.
Luckily, mountain areas are expecting another dump of snow through Tuesday.
“Wind, rain, and snow are all expected Sunday – Tuesday,” the National Weather Service tweeted. “There is uncertainty with details, but good confidence on impressive mountain snow.”
The NWS was not sure on the timing or accumulations that would come with the storm.
Wind, rain, and snow are all expected Sunday – Tuesday. There is uncertainty with details, but good confidence on impressive mountain snow. Valleys will have snow, but precise timing of the cold front brings lower confidence on when snow starts and with accumulations. #utwx #wywx pic.twitter.com/D1qeYAfWdC
— NWS Salt Lake City (@NWSSaltLakeCity) December 9, 2022
“Heavy mountain snowfall is expected for late Saturday through early next week,” the National Weather Service added. “If you have plans to travel on mountain routes, carry a winter survival kit and/or consider adjusting travel if possible.”
The Utah Highway Patrol recommends that your winter survival kit should include the following:
- Jumper cables
- Chains and a tow rope
- A small shovel
- Reflectors or flares
- Extra winter clothes, blanket, or sleeping bag
- First aid kit and important medications
- Battery, solar, or crank-powered radio
- Fresh water and non-perishable food.
- Chemical hand warmers
The Utah Highway Patrol says to bring a winter survival kit when traveling in the mountains this week. (Utah Highway Patrol)
