Utah Storm Brings First Major Mountain Snow of Season

A storm system moving through Utah is bringing the state's first significant mountain snow of the season, with the National Weather Service warning of heavy accumulation in higher elevations, while communities continue monitoring flooding risks after days of rain.

The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory as forecasts called for up to 12 inches of snow in parts of the Cottonwood Canyons and Brian Head, with portions of the Uinta Mountains potentially receiving up to 2 feet.

According to KSL meteorologist Devan Masciulli, most mountain areas were expected to receive 2 to 6 inches of snow from Monday through early Thursday. The Weather Service forecast 8 to 14 inches in the western Uinta Mountains and 4 to 6 inches in the Wasatch Mountains south of I-80 above 9,000 feet.

Masciulli said the storm's slow-moving low pressure system would continue producing showers across Utah as colder air lowered snow levels.

"The circulational low, specifically, will be moving over Utah, and that provides good lift for storms and showers to develop," said Devan Masciulli, KSL meteorologist.

Masciulli explained that the system could maintain unsettled conditions across the state before gradually weakening. He also described the expected timing of lingering showers as the storm moved through Utah.

"When we have these cutoff low systems, they kind of take their time, so that's why we're keeping these showers and storms bands in the forecast (on Monday, Tuesday), and tapering off in the western half on Wednesday — and maybe lingering in northeast Utah on Thursday," said Devan Masciulli, KSL meteorologist.

The storm's moisture came from remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel and contributed to significant rainfall totals. KSL reported some mountain locations received about 5 inches of precipitation, while several valley communities recorded more than an inch.

Heavy rain also caused disruptions, including flooding that closed State Route 190 in Big Cottonwood Canyon and flash flood warnings in parts of southern Utah. The road reopened on Monday, according to KSL.

Masciulli said the rainfall increased mountain soil moisture levels, which could improve future runoff conditions. He noted the storm had positive effects despite flooding impacts.

"This is really good going into the colder season," said Devan Masciulli, KSL meteorologist.

Masciulli added that flooding remained the main negative impact from the system while snow provided a benefit for the upcoming colder months.

"Outside of the flash flooding, this has been a beneficial storm," said Devan Masciulli, KSL meteorologist.

The National Weather Service in Salt Lake City kept a flood watch active for parts of northern Utah, including the Wasatch Back, Wasatch Mountains and western Uinta Mountains, because excessive runoff could affect rivers, streams, urban areas and locations near burn scars.

Ski Utah described the approaching weather as a major shift after significant precipitation across the state. The organization attributed the changing conditions to moisture interacting with a low-pressure system.

"We have already seen impressive precipitation amounts across Utah," said Ski Utah's report.

Forecaster Evan Thayer said higher elevations were expected to receive additional snow as colder air moved into the region. The forecast included several inches of accumulation above 8,000 feet.

"Snow accumulations are likely in the mountains," said Evan Thayer, forecaster.

The Weather Prediction Center expected significant snowfall mainly in elevated terrain across Nevada, Utah, Colorado and Wyoming through early Thursday.

"Any significant snowfall accumulations are expected to remain in the elevated terrain," said the National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center.