A powerful winter storm is barreling toward Salt Lake City, and it’s bringing a dangerous mix of heavy snow, rain, and high winds that could make travel treacherous. If that’s not enough, avalanche risks in the mountains are at extreme levels, making outdoor recreation in higher elevations especially dangerous.
With this storm expected to intensify between Thursday and Saturday, the National Weather Service has issued multiple warnings, including a Flood Watch and an Avalanche Warning, urging residents to stay prepared for rapidly changing conditions.
A Day-by-Day Breakdown of What to Expect
Thursday: A Slushy and Messy Start
Salt Lake City will wake up to cloudy and breezy conditions, with light snow developing by late morning. As temperatures rise to 37°F (3°C) in the afternoon, snow will begin mixing with rain, making for slippery roads and slushy conditions. The evening commute could be especially tricky, so give yourself extra time to get home safely.
Friday: A Brief Break Before the Storm’s Second Punch
Friday will offer a temporary break from the snow, with milder temperatures around 46°F (8°C). But don’t let this brief calm fool you—this is just the eye of the storm. Scattered rain showers will continue throughout the day, and the next round of winter weather is right around the corner.
Saturday: The Worst of the Storm Hits
By Saturday, the storm roars back to life, bringing heavy snowfall, gusty winds, and freezing temperatures. The high will barely reach 40°F (4°C) before plunging to 27°F (-3°C) overnight. Any moisture left on the roads will freeze, turning streets into dangerous ice rinks.
For those heading into the mountains, the Utah Avalanche Center is warning of extremely high avalanche risks. The combination of fresh snow, strong winds, and unstable layers of ice and snow will make both natural and human-triggered avalanches highly likely. If you’re thinking about skiing, snowboarding, or snowmobiling in the backcountry, now is NOT the time to take risks.
Why This Storm is So Dangerous
- Hazardous Roads: Snow, rain, and ice will make driving extremely dangerous, especially in higher elevations and on highways. Plan ahead, drive slow, and avoid unnecessary travel if possible.
- Avalanche Threat is Critical: Experts are warning that avalanche conditions are as dangerous as they get. If you were planning a backcountry ski trip or mountain adventure, reconsider—this storm could make slopes deadly.
- Power Outages Possible: With heavy, wet snow and strong winds, there’s a chance of downed power lines and outages. Make sure you have flashlights, extra batteries, and emergency supplies on hand.
- Flash Flooding in Some Areas: Lower elevations could see flooding instead of snow, especially where storm drains and creeks get overwhelmed by the rain.
How to Stay Safe
- Stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary – If you must drive, check road conditions before heading out and keep emergency supplies in your car.
- Avoid avalanche-prone areas – If you love outdoor adventures, stick to safe, lower elevations and check avalanche reports before making any plans.
- Prepare for possible power outages – Heavy snow and wind could knock out power, so charge your devices and have extra blankets, food, and water on hand.
- Stay informed – This storm is highly unpredictable, and conditions may shift quickly. Keep an eye on weather alerts and updates.
The Bottom Line: Be Ready, Stay Safe
Salt Lake City is about to face some of the harshest winter weather of the season. If you live in the city, prepare for slick roads, possible power outages, and freezing temperatures. If you were planning outdoor recreation in the mountains, rethink your plans—this storm could turn deadly.
