Salt Lake City starts the day clear and close to 34°F at Salt Lake City International, but the calm will not stick around. A Pacific storm is set to slide in Tuesday night, Feb. 10, with a brief shot at valley snow during the morning commute that quickly flips to rain in the lowlands and building snow above canyon level later in the week. Ski areas and canyon drivers should be ready for fresh accumulation and slower, messier travel through Thursday morning.
Tuesday Into Wednesday: Wet Valley Commute, Heavy Snow Up High
On Tuesday, Feb. 10, there is a slight chance of light snow for much of the morning, roughly 8 to 11 a.m., followed by a chance of mixed rain and snow through the afternoon as highs climb near 48°F. Winter weather advisories are already posted for many northern and southern mountain zones starting 11 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, and continuing into the morning of Thursday, Feb. 12. Rain becomes likely overnight into Wednesday, Feb. 11, with the main burst of heavy mountain snow expected from Wednesday morning into mid-afternoon. Forecasters are calling for roughly 6 to 12 inches at Brian Head and the Tushars, 6 to 12 inches for the Wasatch and western Uintas, and locally up to 15 inches in the upper Cottonwoods. For the latest timing and fine print, check the National Weather Service.
Mountain Travel And UDOT Advice
Drivers should plan on snow-covered roads, pockets of low visibility, and slower commutes in the canyons while the higher elevations pick up most of the new snow. Before you head for the canyons or the lifts, pull up live road cameras, watch for closures, and check for any traction advisories at UDOT Traffic. If you have to travel, build in extra time and carry traction devices along with warm layers in your vehicle, and consider putting off any nonessential mountain trips until conditions start to improve.
What To Pack And How To Plan
In the valley, plan for a soggy Tuesday evening commute and keep an eye out for slick spots early Wednesday, since brief heavier showers or an isolated thunderstorm could quickly make roads slippery. In the mountains, come prepared with traction devices, warm clothing, and some patience, since heavy, wet snow can change conditions and resort operations in a hurry. Keep your phone charged, stash an emergency kit in your car, and check forecasts and road cameras before you point the car toward the canyons. We will update this post if advisories or travel impacts change over the next 48 hours.
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