TL;DR:
Snow has arrived! A more active pattern is setting up over the Western US and Pacific. Continued trough passages through next week will bring snow to the Utah mountains and Salt Lake Valley.
Nowcast:
A trough passage Wednesday ushered in a colder, more moist airmass over the interior west while brining snow to much of Utah. This trough has progressed eastward over the central US. A second trough is currently digging over Idaho producing lift over Utah. Northwest flow will set up over Utah acting to enhance orographic precipitation. As of 6:00am, the Salt Lake City airport is currently measuring 33 degrees F with northerly flow at the surface and light snow. Snow accumulation is expected throughout the day
Webcam image from the William Browning Building on the University of Utah's campus.
Short term:
Our current active pattern has brought multiple troughs through Utah and is expected to continue through next week. This snow has been much needed, as our current snowpack SWE is approaching our recorded low for the state of Utah.
The current trough impacting the state will continue to dig throughout the day. Snowfall totals in the valley are expected to be 1-4 inches as northwest flow will continue to provide enhanced orographic forcing. The northern Utah mountains can expect to see 5-11 inches of snow with potentially higher amounts in the Cottonwoods from this storm. Snow will taper off over night as the trough continues eastward. A shortwave ridge will build into the region on Saturday, but it won’t last long. Another trough will move into Utah Saturday evening.
Long term:
The next storm is expected to move in an even colder airmass and more snow throughout the state. Snow is expected to last through Sunday evening. A chance of snow is possible in the mountains through Monday as this storm exits the region. Valley snow totals from Saturdays night/Sunday’s storm are expected to be from 3-6 inches. Mountain snow totals will range from 8-14 inches.
4-pannel valid for Sunday 300 UTC
Another ridge will move over the West on Monday with cold temperatures lingering. The models are showing this ridge is expected to persist until Wednesday when ANOTHER trough may move into the area bringing continued snow. This is far into the future so models are only so reliable, and things will likely change. But as of now, there looks to be more snow on the horizon.
In the meantime, continued prayers to the snow gods for a persisting active pattern are appreciated.
Backcountry comments:
If you will be traveling in the backcountry, make sure you have the proper equipment and know before you go. For the Utah avalanche forecast head over to our friends at the Utah Avalanche Center. https://utahavalanchecenter.org/forecast/salt-lake
Courtesy
Ashley Evans
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