New year, new weather pattern?

TL;DR

A wet but warm storm will ring in the New Year; a slightly colder storm may follow to kick off the first full week of 2026.

Nowcast

First things first: a sunrise mountain vista from PCMR's Crescent cam:

Courtesy of OpenSnow

We sit under a high pressure ridge and a resulting temperature inversion this morning, with upper-mountain temps comfortably in the 30s °F and canyon bottoms in the high 10s to low 20s °F. The clear skies we're currently seeing won't last, as initially high-based clouds will overspread our mountains by the end of the day. Expect mountain highs to get well into the 30s (and possibly 40s) °F ahead of our approaching storm - keep reading for more on that...

Short-term

We'll ring in the New Year with ample atmospheric moisture; unfortunately for winter sports enthusiasts, though, this moisture is coming from the southwest and will thus be paired with warm air - temps will just barely fall below freezing at 700mb/~10,000ft, resulting in rain at lower elevations and rather dense snow where snow does fall.

Expect precipitation to start by sunrise tomorrow, continuing off and on through Friday. Models are showing a range of 0.5-1.5" of liquid, with an average of about 1"; this would translate to 8" of snow based on an SLR of 8:1 (which I think is fairly realistic). However, this snow can only fall where it is cold enough to snow, and like I mentioned earlier, summit temps will just barely dip below freezing, so lower-elevation locations will see much less (or even zero) snow.

Long-term

Models are indicating another storm around January 5th (next Monday), and temps are looking a few degrees colder for this period compared to what we're expecting in the next couple of days... hopefully we can get some better-quality snow, and maybe I won't have to mention the word "rain" in my forecast :)

Happy New Year!

As always, if you will be skiing or riding in the backcountry, be sure you have the proper training and equipment and know before you go. For the avalanche forecast and other avy-related resources, go to utahavalanchecenter.org.

The end of this monotonous weather is in sight!

TL;DR:

The very start of the week will feature more of the same weather we've seen recently, but we will see a change in the pattern by Wednesday. We'll be on the periphery of the best storms for the long-term, but chances for snow will still exist.

Nowcast:

It's a calm, clear, and temperature-inverted morning out there, with bases around 30°F and summits around 35°F. Here's the view from one of my favorite vistas, the top of the Crescent chair at PCMR:

Courtesy of OpenSnow

For today, expect similar conditions to the past few days: valley haze, plenty of sun, and highs around 40°F at the summits.

Short-term (through Wednesday night):

The synoptic setup recently has featured a big old ridge that has kept exciting weather away from us; however, this ridge is supposed to flatten by Wednesday, bringing with it some much-needed precipitation. Models are generally agreeing on about 0.5" of liquid water, which paired with warm temps (only getting down to the low 20s °F at 700mb/~10,000') should yield 1-4" of snow for most locations, with the northernmost mountains and high elevations like the upper Cottonwoods possibly doing slightly better. Timingwise, rain/snow starts around mid-to-late morning on Wednesday and should wind down by midnight the same day.

Long-term (after Wednesday night):

There's good news and bad news in the long-term. The bad news is that the best dynamics and moisture will mostly slide north of us, so a huge blockbuster storm is unlikely. The good news, however, is that we're not too far off the storm track, so an extended dry spell is unlikely; we should at least be getting scraps. In fact, if the model plumes are to be believed, we should do quite well - check out the Utah snow ensemble plumes for Alta for the next seven days:

Courtesy of the U of U Department of Atmospheric Sciences

There is clearly model uncertainty, but there is also clearly an upward-sloping line, and that's a win in my book!

FYI, we at Utah Ski Weather are taking the next couple of weeks off to enjoy our holiday break; while there may be an update here and there, expect regular forecasts to start sometime in January!

If you will be skiing or riding in the backcountry, be sure you have the proper training and equipment and know before you go. For the avalanche forecast and other avy-related resources, go to utahavalanchecenter.org.

From record-high temps to snow we go

TL;DR:

Light snow and clouds today, clouds and near-average temperatures this weekend, then colder and snowy next week...

Nowcast:

It's a gray morning out there - here's what the webcam near the top of PCMR's Crescent lift is seeing...

PCMR Crescent webcam, courtesy of OpenSnow

Temperatures have cooled off from their unseasonably high values from earlier this week and now hover around 30°F on the lower mountains and around 20°F at the highest summits; today, they'll top out at about 10°F above their current values. We'll also see cloudy skies, a good chance of snow, and gusty winds, especially this afternoon.

Short-term:

We'll stay dry but cloudy this weekend, and temps will remain similar to today's.

Long-term:

The long-term looks promising for those who aren't quite ready for spring and would prefer a taste of winter - have a look at the snow ensemble plumes for the next ten days:

Snow ensemble plumes, courtesy of the U of U's Department of Atmospheric Sciences

I think the first part (up until about April 1st) might be a little overforecasted - I'm not convinced Canyons-Daybreak will see 9 inches of snow in the next 24 hours - but I'm willing to believe the second part, which shows a healthy dose of snow between roughly April 1st and April 5th. A bonus: upper-mountain temps should drop to about 20°F with this storm, meaning solid SLRs and solid quality snow!

There is a good chance that this is the last USW post of the season - if another forecast does come out I'll see you then, but if not, have a fantastic spring skiing season (and summer) and thank you so much for following along this winter! We'll be back sometime in November once the snow starts falling.

As always, if you will be traveling in the backcountry, ensure you have the proper gear and training and know before you go. For the avalanche forecast and other avy-related resources, visit utahavalanchecenter.org.

From spring-like to winter-like

TL;DR:

The week will start off warm and clear and end cold and snowy, and the snowy period looks promising...

Nowcast:

(Note: I apologize if the images today are a little blurry - I'm not sure why that is, but I'll work to get it fixed for the next forecast.)

It is another clear, mild morning in the Wasatch - a precursor to another spring-like day. Here's what the webcam at Solitude is seeing at Honeycomb Canyon:

Honeycomb Canyon webcam, courtesy of OpenSnow

For today, expect weather similar to what we've seen the past few days - mountain highs in the high 30s °F, nearly clear skies, and generally light winds.

Short-term:

We have another couple of calm days ahead of us, although temperatures will gradually fall and cloud coverage will increase ahead of a weather shift slated for Thursday. Check out the long-term below to find out more...

Long-term:

Snow returns on Thursday as a trough crosses the western US, and right now things are looking quite promising on the snow ensemble plumes:

Snow ensemble plumes for Canyons-Daybreak, courtesy of the University of Utah's Department of Atmospheric Sciences

Forty inches in seven days for Canyons-Daybreak?! And there's other evidence that a quite snowy period could be ahead -- here are two other graphics from NOAA showing greater than 50% chances of above-normal precipitation and below-average temperatures:

Medium/long-range forecasts, courtesy of NOAA

I frequently say that I don't tend to trust models more than about three days out, but the ensemble plumes plus these long-range outlooks certainly have my attention and I'll definitely be keeping an eye on this...

Enjoy the next couple days of spring-like weather before snow makes a comeback, and thanks for reading!

If you will be skiing or riding in the backcountry, be sure you have the proper training and equipment and know before you go. For the avalanche forecast and other avy-related resources, go to utahavalanchecenter.org.

Spring-like this weekend, winter-like next week

TL;DR:

A relatively warm and dry, but somewhat windy and cloudy couple of days are ahead; next week, we'll see the return of winter with upwards of a foot of snow likely by Friday.

Nowcast:

It's a (relatively) warm and sunny morning in the mountains; even Snowbird's Hidden Peak at 11,000' is above freezing (although it's worth noting that there is a bit of wind chill, bringing the feel-like temperature into the mid-20s °F):

Weather data from Snowbird's Hidden Peak, courtesy of the National Weather Service

For today, expect mountain highs in the mid to high 30s °F, sunny skies, and mostly light winds. It's not quite spring skiing yet, but it is a good teaser!

Short-term:

The weekend weather will be similar to the weather of the past couple of days in that it'll be mild and dry; however, winds and cloud cover will increase ahead of next week's snow. Keep reading for more on that...

Long-term:

It's pretty clear from the models that winter is returning to the Wasatch next week:

Utah snow ensemble plumes for Canyons-Daybreak, courtesy of the U of U's Department of Atmospheric Sciences

However, they're struggling on the strength and timing of the storm. Even the snow ensemble plume above has two main possibilities: the GEFS (blue line) shows two distinct waves with a storm total of 30", while the ENS (pink line) favors a more gradual/continuous accumulation topping out at just over 15". A couple of other models I looked at seemed to like the "two distinct waves" solution better and favored 12-20" by next Friday.

Either way, I'd mark March 4th and 6th-7th on your calendars as potentially deep days...

If you will be traveling in the backcountry, make sure you have the proper gear and training and know before you go. For the avalanche forecast and other avy-related resources, go to utahavalanchecenter.org.

Warm, dry week ahead

 TL;DR:

Not much happening over the next week, just warmer than normal and dry conditions. Next possible moisture perhaps over the weekend towards next Tuesday (March 4).

Nowcast:

Clear conditions over SLC and the Wasatch mountains. Highs anywhere from 30-50 degrees depending on the mountain you're on and the elevation. Make sure to bring sunblock, as it'll be nice and sunny.

Mount Superior current conditions, courtesy of Alta

Short term:

Tomorrow, a small cold front will come through the Salt Lake area and Northern Utah. This cold front will generally be dry, but might possibly cause some orographic lifting and precipitation in the mountains. Temperatures will be cooler tomorrow and Wednesday as a result of the cold front.

Long term:

Following cold front passage, a high-pressure ridge will build over the area. Temperatures will rise and sunny conditions will prevail. Once we reach the weekend, a trough system should move through possibly bringing precipitation. As we get closer to the weekend, models will become more accurate regarding this trough system and what precipitation it will bring.

Snow forecast for Alta, courtesy of U of U's Department of Atmospheric Sciences

The snow forecast for Alta, provided by the University of Utah's Department of Atmospheric Sciences, shows a rise in precipitation in the evening of March 2nd and rising through the next several days. As we get closer to the weekend, the models will get more accurate in regards to total precipitation and how long it'll precip for.

Backcountry comments:

If you will be traveling in the backcountry make sure you have the proper training and equipment and know before you go. For the avalanche forecast and other avy-related resources, visit utahavalanchecenter.org.

Friday snow day

TL;DR:

Snow starts tonight and continues through early Saturday morning, with totals around 10". More snow possible next week.

Nowcast:

Mountain temps this morning have returned to relatively more seasonal numbers (between 25 and 35°F) and we're seeing a mix of sun and clouds. Park City and BCC are more on the sunny side of that equation, while LCC seems to be more on the cloudy side:

The view from Snowbird's Hidden Peak, courtesy of Snowbird

For today, expect mountain highs in the low 30s °F, a continued mix of sun and clouds, and increasing winds.

Short-term:

Our next round of snowfall moves in tonight and sticks around for 24-30 hours, granting the Central Wasatch around 10" of snow. Temps will be colder (finishing around ~15°F) with this storm, so expect better snow quality than we've seen recently! Friday should be the best storm skiing day while Saturday should be a first-chair best chair kind of day.

After Saturday morning, we clear out for a bit.

Long-term:

We'll stay dry for a couple of days, then snowfall looks to return to the area; you can see that from the upward trend on the snow ensemble plumes:

Snow ensemble plumes for Alta, courtesy of the U's Department of Atmospheric Sciences

We'll keep an eye on it and see how this develops...

If you will be traveling in the backcountry, make sure you have the proper gear and training and know before you go. For the avalanche forecast and other avy-related resources, go to utahavalanchecenter.org.

Forecaster's Corner bonus feature

As a fun little side note for those of you who read this far, here's a little discussion on forecast uncertainty...

One of the websites I use for forecasting snowfall is the National Weather Service's probabilistic snowfall page, which is exactly what it sounds like: it shows the chance a particular location has of exceeding a certain amount of snowfall as well as predicted snowfall totals based on the high-end, low-end, and expected scenarios. Usually, the low-end, high-end, and expected snowfall totals are in a somewhat close range (within 5-10"), but that was *not* the case this morning. Here are a few of my favorites:

- Snowbird: low-end 3", expected 8", high-end 40"

- Canyons base: low-end 2", expected 4", high-end 16"

- Garden City: low-end <1", expected 1", high-end 10"

- Park City Mountain: low-end 4", expected 7", high-end 24"

- Provo Canyon: low-end <1", expected 3", high-end 46"

From 3" to 46" in Provo Canyon!

I'm 99% sure these numbers are determined by running a large number of computer models, each with slightly different atmospheric conditions, and then forecasting totals from the most likely scenario that all those models are showing. With regard to our situation here, this means that enough computer models forecasted those crazy high totals that the high-end amounts shown here are reasonable. For the record, those high-end totals are unlikely (there is a 90% chance that less snow will fall and only a 10% chance that more snow will fall), but they aren't completely outlandish...

Thanks for reading and have an awesome day :)

Atmospheric river incoming!

TL;DR:

A messy atmospheric river will bring wind, warm temps, and plenty of water to Utah this weekend. More chances for snow in the long-term.

Nowcast:

We're seeing a bit of a temperature inversion this morning with summit and valley temps between 25-30°F and mid-elevation temps closer to 20°F. Also, the sun and clouds are having a spirited spar on who gets to control the sky; here's what that looks like from Brighton: 

Brighton webcam, courtesy of OpenSnow

For today, expect fairly mild mountain temperatures climbing into the low 30s °F as well as increasing clouds and wind ahead of our next round of snow this weekend. Read on for the details on that...

Short-term:

The weather pattern responsible for the snow this weekend is an atmospheric river pulling warm, moist air from the Pacific and blasting it at the West; these storms are often called "warm, windy, and wet" and this one is no different - not necessarily ideal for skiing, but excellent for our somewhat lacking snowpack.

So how much snow/moisture are we looking at? Models are generally showing about 2" of water for the Central Wasatch...

GFS total accumulated precipitation, courtesy of Tropical Tidbits

...which they are translating to a general 10-20" of snow by Sunday evening:

Utah Snow Ensemble plumes for Canyons-Daybreak, courtesy of the U's Department of Atmospheric Sciences

It's worth noting that the only time I see 10,000ft temps even approaching -5°C (~23°F) for the next five days is tomorrow morning, meaning summits will be flirting with freezing temps for most of this storm. As a result, the snow that falls will be dense and some lower-elevation areas will probably see some rain.

Long story short, it's going to be a messy storm, but we need the moisture so we can't complain!

Long-term:

The good news is that it doesn't seem like we'll go totally dry after this weekend; as you may have noticed in the image above, follow-up snow is possible around midweek next week. We'll keep you updated on that - hopefully we can get a good, cold, midweek classic Utah storm to make up for all the ones we've missed this season...

Thanks for reading!

The storm this weekend will ramp up avalanche danger across Utah mountains, so if you will be traveling in the backcountry, make sure you have the proper gear and training and know before you go. For the avalanche forecast and other avy-related resources, visit utahavalanchecenter.org.

Where did the front land?

TL;DR:

Snow showers today thanks to a front; fairly chilly and likely dry until next weekend.

Nowcast:

This weekend's snowfall is being determined by a cold front stalling over Utah; where it parked itself would determine who got the best snowfall. Well, as of 6:30am, the front is stalled here:

Current radar, courtesy of OpenSnow

It's sort of falling apart on radar and the best part of what remains isn't targeting any ski areas, but the front was more robust earlier this morning and delivered some snow; from checking snow stakes and webcams, I'm seeing the following totals as of 6:30am:

- Park City/Deer Valley: 1-2"

- Solitude/Brighton: ~2"

- Snowbird/Alta: 2-3"

- Sundance: 1"

- Snowbasin/PowMow: 0-1"

The front is projected to remain in a similar location for at least a couple more hours, so we could add a couple of inches onto these totals.

Short-term:

High temperatures should start the week in the high 20s °F and gradually warm from there. It'll be a very dry week (again) but read on, because that may change...

Long-term:

Model guidance is suggesting our next storm for next weekend, continuing the trend of Saturday/Sunday snow days. Early indications look promising, though - check out the Utah snow ensemble plumes for Alta:

Utah snow ensemble plumes for Alta, courtesy of the U's Department of Atmospheric Sciences

You can see that towards the end of this period (beginning of February) the lines go up - indicating snowfall - but they also spread out a lot, indicating considerable uncertainty. This isn't surprising of course since we're about a week out - we'll keep an eye on it...

If you'll be traveling in the backcountry, make sure you have the proper training and equipment and know before you go. For the avalanche forecast and other avy-related resources, go to utahavalanchecenter.org.

Cold and mostly dry week ahead

TL;DR:

It's cold in the mountains this morning and it will continue to get colder through tomorrow, after which we will likely moderate a bit. No significant snow is expected until possibly next weekend.

Nowcast:

This morning's weather can best be described in one word: *cold*. Almost every weather station in the Central Wasatch is showing single-digit (°F) temperatures, and combined with the wind, many feel-like temps are subzero. Many locations are also just now seeing their first hints of sun after lingering snow showers and clouds kept it hidden; here's what that looks like up at Solitude:

Solitude base webcam, courtesy of OpenSnow

For today, expect mountain temperatures to remain in the single digits under mostly cloudy skies; a bit of snow is also possible. It's going to be a frigid one, so dress warm!

Short-term:

Temperatures will continue to decrease ahead of a particularly potent shot of cold air tomorrow, which will drop mountain temperatures below 0 °F (with feel-like temps even colder than that); after that, temperatures should moderate a bit and return to their seasonal normals, although some models are hinting at another shot of cold air on Wednesday morning... we'll keep an eye on it.

Otherwise, there won't be too much happening this week - big storms (or, for that matter, much snow at all) are continuing to be elusive for many areas.

Long-term:

Models are hinting at a storm next weekend, but agreement is naturally very poor at the moment so I'm not counting on anything yet... 

If you will be traveling in the backcountry, make sure you have the proper training and equipment and know before you go. For the avalanche forecast and other avy-related resources, visit utahavalanchecenter.org.

Cold snap alert!

 TL;DR:

The next five days feature some light snow and some very cold temperatures. Next week doesn't look very snowy, but it does look even colder...

Nowcast:

We're seeing a temperature inversion this morning with temps in the teens and 20s °F in valley and canyon bottoms and low 30s °F at the summits. It also looks perfectly clear up in the mountains; here's what it looked like up at Brighton just a little bit ago:

Brighton webcam, courtesy of OpenSnow

For today, expect mountain highs in the low 30s °F under clear skies.

Short-term:

Tomorrow evening, we are going to get clipped by a storm sliding through just to the east, meaning we won't get the best moisture or energy, but we won't get nothing either. Models are indicating no more than 3-5" of snow by Sunday morning.

Of note with this storm are the cold temperatures it brings; check out the 700mb (about 10,000') temps on Saturday evening:

European model 700mb Temps, courtesy of Tropical Tidbits

The light purple shading over Northern Utah indicates temps around -18°C, which is just below 0°, and models are showing another even deeper plunge into the deep freeze around MLK Day. Brace yourselves...

Long-term:

Next week isn't looking particularly snowy - just cold, as I mentioned above - so keep doing your snow dances :)

Backcountry comments:

If you will be traveling in the backcountry, make sure you have the proper training and equipment and know before you go. For the avalanche forecast and other avy-related resources, visit utahavalanchecenter.org.

Mostly quiet week ahead

TL;DR:

There's a chance of some very light snow tonight along with the chance of more snow this weekend. Temps gradually warm as the week goes on.

Nowcast:

It's a cold, clear morning in the Wasatch; here's the view from near the top of Park City's Crescent chair:

Courtesy of OpenSnow

Don't let that bright shining sun fool you - the valley is in the mid 20s °F and Snowbird's Hidden Peak is showing 8°F with a cool -12°F windchill (up from -21°F just an hour ago but still cold):

Hidden Peak weather, courtesy of the National Weather Service

Expect more of the same for the rest of the day - temps won't climb much above 20°F around mid-elevations and will struggle to break 10°F up at the highest summits; also, expect increasing cloud cover and wind as the day goes on.

Short-term:

A very weak piece of energy crosses northern Utah tonight; I can't rule out a few snowflakes, but it shouldn't be more than an inch or so at most. You can see the slightest increase in accumulated snow on the snow ensemble plumes for Alta:

Utah snow ensemble plumes for Alta, courtesy of the U's Department of Atmospheric Sciences

You can also see a bigger jump after about Friday morning; there's little model agreement on this snow, but you can be sure that we will be keeping an eye on it here at Utah Ski Weather!

Outside of our limited precip chances this week, we'll see mostly clear skies and gradually warming temps - here's a GIF with forecasted high temperatures through Friday:

Euro model 2m high temperatures, courtesy of Tropical Tidbits

You can see that we climb from 26°F to 41°F from today to Friday - good news for those of us who aren't super stoked on frigid temps...

Long-term:

Utah, along with nearly all of the west coast south of the Canadian border, is expected to be in a drier-than-normal pattern for the next little while. Here's what that looks like in a graphic (green means wetter than normal, yellow means drier than normal):

GEFS accumulated precipitation anomaly, courtesy of Tropical Tidbits

Does this mean we won't get any snow? Not necessarily, but it doesn't favor the stormy pattern we winter enthusiasts love either. We'll just have to keep watching and waiting...

Backcountry comments:

If you will be traveling in the backcountry, make sure you have the proper training and equipment and know before you go. For the avalanche forecast and other avy-related resources, visit utahavalanchecenter.org.

Champaign Snow Flows in 25'

 TL;DR:

    Cold temps and snow on the way. 8-13" Saturday with some potential for some lake enhancement! High and dry following this weekend

Nowcast:

    On this fine Friday morning clear blue skies lie above as the sun crests over the Wasatch back. Cool temperatures in the teens sit at mountain bases and up at crest levels. N, NW winds around 10mph blow at mountain tops with gusts poking into the mid 20's. 

Alta Ski Lifts

Short-term:

    The clear skies we see this morning are brought to us by the small ridge that resides over the Southwestern United States. Over the Pacific NW a small positively tilted trough is forming that will dig Southeasterly throughout the day. As the trough moves inland we will see some thin cloud cover in the late afternoon. Additionally, as the trough's associated cold front approaches temperatures will begin to drop. 

U of U Atmospheric Science

    Around 11:00 pm tonight, as the front edge of the trough dips into Northern Utah, the associated cold front arrives. Depicted in the bottom panel of the graphic below, tightly packed dashed lines(negative temperatures, C) move through Utah. We see the dry air associated with the ridge today move out and moister air move in (blue shading representing relative humidity).

U of U Atmospheric Science

    Some prefrontal snow may start around 8:00 pm this evening and will gradually pick up throughout the night. In the early hours of Saturday morning (2:00-3:00) snow will start to fall at higher rates. Steady snow can be expected throughout the day Saturday accompanied by rather low temps in the single digits around mountain crests and only in the teens at mountain bases. With such cold temps, expect high snow-liquid ratios beginning around 10:1 and potentially even reaching up to 15 or 20:1! That is some fine Champaign snow... sorry steamboat, you're not the only place with it; you can't own snow.

    There is some relative agreement among models regarding snow totals. Totals of 8-13" to be expected. That said, throughout the storm, strong NW winds will be blowing the predominant flow across the lake at a perfect angle to increase fetch, bringing strong potential for a repeat of last weekend's lake effect! 

Long-term:

    Around midnight, snow will taper off with some slight chance of post-frontal flurries on Sunday. Accumulations are not likely to break more than a couple of inches. As we move on from this snow storm we will be high and dry for the foreseeable future with a ridge sitting over us for the next 10 days or so. 

Avalanche Comments:

    With the recent storms and more on the way this weekend avalanche activity is to be expected. With a rather widespread PWL on the Northern half of the compass and sporadic winds out of the W and E recently, the mountains will be moving. If you plan to travel in the backcountry, have the proper equipment and knowledge! For all things avalanche check in with our friends over at the Utah Avalanche Center. 

Snow this weekend

 TL;DR:

Snow starts tomorrow night with the passage of a cold front; the heaviest snow falls between then and Saturday morning with snow showers potentially continuing through Sunday night. We then dry out.

Nowcast:

It's a cold and somewhat foggy morning in the mountains; here are some views from Park City (left) and Solitude (right) webcams:

Both images courtesy of OpenSnow

Temps are in the single digits above about 9500'; they'll warm only up to about 15°F at the highest elevations, but fortunately winds should be well-behaved (mostly light) and we should see a lot of blue sky once the fog evaporates, potentially making the cold a bit more bearable...

Short-term:

We'll see our next chance for snow tomorrow evening as a cold front crashes through northern Utah. It's not a particularly strong or moisture-laden system, but it does bring some chilly temps (~10°F at 10,000' by 11am Saturday) so we could squeeze out a decent amount of snow. Most models are currently showing 4-8" for most mountains by 11pm Saturday, and I wouldn't be at all surprised if the good old favored locations like the Cottonwoods get a little bit more. It also looks like we might keep some snow showers going behind the cold front through Sunday night which would add a couple of inches to these predicted totals.

Long-term:

High pressure returns with next workweek and it looks to remain for at least the next ten days, resulting in mostly calm/non-snowy conditions; we should see occasional shots of cold air though. Here's that statement represented in a GIF:

Mean sea level pressure, courtesy of Tropical Tidbits

You can see the high pressure along the West Coast and into the interior West, blocking the storm track save for the couple occasional weak systems sneaking in.

Backcountry comments:

If you will be traveling in the backcountry, make sure you have the proper training and equipment and know before you go. For the avalanche forecast and other avy-related resources, check out utahavalanchecenter.org.

Minimal chances for snow

TL;DR:

We are currently experiencing sunny skies in the central Wasatch. A weak, dry system will pass tonight, dropping temperatures. Look for a moderate snowstorm this Saturday.

Nowcast:

A ridge of high pressure is in control over the west coast, with much of the storm energy to our north and east. This is leading to mostly sunny skies. 

Source: Alta Ski Area

There is a slight temperature inversion from the surface to 825 mbar and just below 700 mbar, per today's 12z sounding at SLC:

Source: NWS Storm Prediction Center

Short term:

Expect strong northerly winds this evening as a cold front passes through, dropping temperatures to fridgid levels below -10 °C at crest level. Unfortunately, this system is not associated with any precipitation, with the only real precipitation chances further to our east. Notice the tight packing of red 700-mbar temperature contours in the bottom left panel of the GFS forecast for 8 p.m. MT this evening shown below, indicative of the cold front. Unfortunately, any precipitation will be confined to our north and east (top right panel).

Source: University of Utah Department of Atmospheric Science

Long Term:

Early Saturday morning, a short-wave trough will dig eastward from the Pacific Northwest, bringing precipitation to the mountains of northern Utah. There is fair model agreement amongst ensemble members in the Utah Snow Ensemble that the mountains of the central Wasatch can expect between 0.4 and 0.7 inches of water with this cold, northwest flow system. With relatively high snow-to-liquid ratios, this can translate to 6 to 12 inches of snow. Not a huge storm, but a good refresh for most mountains.

Source: Utah Department of Atmospheric Science

Beyond Saturday's storm, high pressure takes control for the foreseeable future, keeping storms to our northwest.

Backcountry Comments:

If you will be traveling in the backcountry make sure you have the proper training and equipment and know before you go. For the avalanche forecast and other avy-related resources, visit utahavalanchecenter.org.

Back to School

 TL;DR:

Calm weather until Friday night, when snow is expected to hit through the weekend. Downslope wind advisory, so winds can get up to 20-30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph.

Nowcast:

From 6am today (Tuesday, January 7th) to 6am tomorrow, there is a wind advisory from the National Weather Service for the northeast Salt Lake City valley. Northeast winds (so winds blowing from the northeast) are expected to be around 20-30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. These winds can blow around unsecured objects and could cause blowing snow that can impact visibility.

Besides the wind advisory, the weather should be pretty clear.

Short term:

Nothing much should be happening over the next 36 hours, with pretty clear skies with no precipitation. The only main concern is wind.

Long term:

https://weather.utah.edu/

Weather will remain calm over the week until Friday afternoon/evening, when a trough is expected to come through the region bringing snow over the weekend. Until we get closer, it's hard to predict how much snowfall will occur from this system.

Backcountry comments:

If you will be traveling in the backcountry make sure you have the proper training and equipment and know before you go. For the avalanche forecast and other avy-related resources, visit utahavalanchecenter.org.