‘Major winter storm’ expected with up to 12″ of snow in the valley

SALT LAKE CITY — A major winter storm is expected to roll in Tuesday evening according to the Salt Lake City National Weather Service.

Across the Wasatch Front, up to 12 inches can be expected.

For those excited about the skiing and snowboarding, 2-3 feet of snow can be expected in the northern mountains, while 1-2 feet are expected in the central and southern mountains.

Two-day snow totals basically for everyone in northern Utah could reach as high as a foot of snow… in the valleys! ❄️ ❄️ ❄️

The NWS in Salt Lake City is giving us plenty of warning to be prepared and our KSL team will keep you posted all week long!@NWSSaltLakeCity @KSL5TV pic.twitter.com/SikX8Kw1ne

— Dan Spindle KSL (@DanSpindleKSL) February 20, 2023

The NWS issued multiple warnings advising those in northern Utah to avoid roads Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning on their commute if possible.

Meanwhile, NWS warned southern Utah residents to secure all trampolines, lawn furniture, garbage cans, and any outdoor decorations as a high wind warning is expected to go into effect Tuesday into Wednesday.

UDOT warned about the morning commute impact from the storm.

Road Weather Alert:
A major winter storm will impact the state beginning Tue AM in N Utah. Tue PM and Wed AM commutes will be highly impacted for Wasatch Front. Some areas will get 6-12in, 1-3ft for mtns.

For more info, visit: https://t.co/4P1gO2c9Uo@UtahTrucking
#utsnow #utwx pic.twitter.com/c75J6Jeb9T

— UDOT Traffic (@UDOTTRAFFIC) February 20, 2023

The Utah Avalanche Center also put out warnings ahead of Tuesday’s storm.

“Avalanche danger will be on the rise with the incoming storm, think about shifting the mindset to stepping back over the next few days. The avalanche danger is MODERATE across all upper elevation terrain for shallow slabs of wind-drifted snow. Be on the lookout for pockets of reactive wind-drifted snow, especially in steep, consequential terrain where even a small avalanche can have a detrimental outcome. Out of the wind zone, the avalanche danger is LOW.”

“Winter’s not done with us yet,” said UDOT spokesperson John Gleason. “This is shaping up to be a pretty big storm.”

Gleason said to expect snow on the roads in the mountains and valleys from the statewide storm. He said UDOT crews are getting some rest before what’s expected to be a very busy few days.

“Our plow crews are going to be out there,” he said. “They’re going to be working hard, and long hours, to make sure that our roads are safe, but the intensity of the storm — there are going to be times where we are going to see heavy road snow.”

❄️A look at forecast snowfall amounts broken down for our Tuesday/Wednesday winter storm. Now is the time to prepare; be ready in the event of power/loss of heat and carry an emergency supply kit if you must travel. More helpful info @ https://t.co/CFl3Nsp1RB #UTwx pic.twitter.com/uKmIVUpYAl

— NWS Salt Lake City (@NWSSaltLakeCity) February 21, 2023

UDOT is spreading the word early that Utahns may want to consider working from home on Wednesday or delay travel.

If you do head out on the roads during the storm, make sure to give yourself plenty of time, keep a full tank of gas, check your tires for enough tread, have warm clothing and a survival kit in your car.

“Make sure that you are not out on the road on bald tires and that your vehicle is ready to go,” Gleason said. “Put away those distractions and focus all of your attention on the road.”

The Utah Highway Patrol said that it will have extra troopers patrolling problem spots during the storm.

“The biggest thing that we worry about all the time is vehicles following too close,” said. UHP Sgt. Colton Freckleton. “In these snow storms, you don’t have enough time to reduce your speed to avoid crashes.”