Snow squalls, lake-effect snow could cause Utah travel issues

SALT LAKE CITY — While skiers, snowboarders and water managers are all thrilled with more snow in the mountains over the next few days, forecasters warn potential snow squalls Thursday and lake-effect snow Friday could create travel headaches over the next day.

The National Weather Service advises a 50% to 60% probability of a snow squall forming in southwest Utah as a cold front arrives in the state Thursday afternoon and early evening.

A snow squall, as noted by the agency, is an "intense, short-lived burst of heavy snowfall" that can suddenly reduce visibility and create slick roads with an inch or more of snow falling per hour.

Hayden Mahan, a meteorologist for the weather service, said higher-elevation areas like Hildale through Kanab and areas close to Lake Powell are highest at risk for impacts, especially along state Route 59 and U.S. 89 through 6 p.m. He adds that models indicate a 20% to 30% probability for squalls to form everywhere else in the state on Thursday.

Meanwhile, a new winter weather advisory was issued for northern Utah, which could receive up to 3 inches of snow by the end of Thursday. An advisory had already been issued for most of the Wasatch Front from Thursday evening through noon Friday. The alert notes that 1-4 inches of snow are possible from Weber through Salt Lake counties, with higher totals possible in bench areas during that time.

Some of the snow is expected following the cold front's arrival, which could bring a "quick" 1-2 inches Thursday evening. KSL meteorologist Matt Johnson said it's possible that rain could turn to snow at the tail-end of Thursday evening commute, while snow is also likely outside of the advisory area during that time.

By 8 p.m. on Thursday, the Utah Department of Transportation had implemented roadway restrictions in Parleys Canyon, in Salt Lake and Summit counties, and in Sardine Canyon, in Box Elder and Cache counties. All vehicles traveling through those canyons must be equipped with approved traction devices.

As far north as Bountiful, in Davis County, through Cottonwood Heights or Sandy, in Salt Lake County, are in line to receive more snow Friday morning from lake-effect snow coming off the Great Salt Lake.

Mahan said those areas could receive 1-4 inches of snow during the first half of Friday, including during the morning commute. He said snow totals will be "location dependent" and will vary depending on how long a snowband lingers in a particular area.

Either from snow squalls or lake-effect snow, Mahan says the timing could be a problem. He advises drivers to slow down and prepare for potentially slick roads.

"Give yourself extra time for your commute and check the weather before you leave," he said. "With these lake-effect bands, it might be perfectly clear at your house — no snow or anything. But depending on what direction you're going, conditions could quickly deteriorate."

Full seven-day forecasts for areas across Utah can be found online, at the KSL Weather Center.

Related topics