Weather
This forecast was created at 7:30 a.m. PST on Sunday, March 16
This week in Utah will feature multiple rounds of new snowfall, favoring the northern and central mountains. The first storm arrives Monday night with a strong cold front, rapidly dropping snow levels from higher elevations down to the valleys. Moderate to heavy mountain snow will develop overnight and persist into Tuesday, especially along northwest-facing slopes. A second, weaker system arrives late Wednesday into Friday, bringing additional accumulations and maintaining cool conditions in the mountains.
A light dusting on Sunday starts things off in the northern mountains. Most areas will see only minor accumulations, with some rain-snow mix at lower elevations due to milder temperatures. Although not a major event, this early round will moisten the atmosphere ahead of Monday’s more potent system. Winds on Sunday will increase, but they are not expected to be strong enough to significantly affect lift operations.
A stronger front sweeps in Monday night, ushering in winter-like conditions through Tuesday. As snow levels plummet to valley floors, mountain snow will quickly intensify, favoring areas along Utah’s central spine and the northern ranges. By Tuesday morning, many mountains could pick up healthy totals of eight inches or more, with even higher amounts in favored spots like the Cottonwoods. During the peak of this event, Snow-to-Liquid Ratios (SLRs) should range between roughly 12:1 and 17:1, resulting in a fairly light and fluffy consistency. Any valleys that see snow Tuesday may experience marginal accumulation due to daytime temperatures in the upper 30s to lower 40s.
A secondary system moves in late Wednesday and continues into Friday. This wave looks weaker overall but will still offer decent refreshes in the mountains, especially on Thursday. SLRs in the 12:1 to 15:1 range will maintain good snow quality. Though totals are lighter, the cold air in place will keep conditions wintery and preserve the fresh snow heading into the weekend. Looking further out, details remain uncertain as guidance for extended periods is unavailable; however, there are hints of an active pattern potentially returning during the weekend or early next week.
Resort Forecast Totals
NOTE: These totals are intentionally conservative. Reported totals will likely exceed these forecast ranges.
- Alta/Snowbird – 14”–26” total (10”–17” Mon night (03/17)–Wed night (03/19) + 4”–9” Wed night (03/19)–Fri night (03/21))
- Solitude/Brighton – 13”–23” total (9”–14” Mon night (03/17)–Wed night (03/19) + 4”–9” Wed night (03/19)–Fri night (03/21))
- Powder Mountain – 11”–21” total (7”–12” Mon night (03/17)–Wed (03/19) + 4”–9” Wed night (03/19)–Fri night (03/21))
- Park City/Deer Valley – 8”–16” total (5”–9” Mon night (03/17)–Wed night (03/19) + 3”–7” Wed night (03/19)–Fri night (03/21))
- Eagle Point – 7”–12” Mon night (03/17)–Wed (03/19)
- Beaver Mountain – 6”–12” total (4”–7” Mon night (03/17)–Wed (03/19) + 2”–5” Wed night (03/19)–Fri night (03/21))
