Winter whips in, snow warnings issued

Utah's first big statewide snowfall arrived two weeks late but promises to make up for lost time.

Heavy snow warnings are in effect through noon Wednesday for central and western sections of the state, specifically in the mountains. The Utah Avalanche Center issued an avalanche watch for northern Utah mountains and elsewhere late Monday, noting that the danger "is expected to rise significantly over the next 24 hours."

"Usually we get our first measurable snow between the 9th and the 14th of November," said Len Randolph, meteorologist at KSL, "so we're roughly two weeks late."

Measurable snow is considered a coating at least 0.1-inch deep. Traces had fallen earlier in the season at Salt Lake City International Airport, but they were not considered measurable. Deeper snow fell elsewhere in Utah, but until now, not in the capital.

"Now we're going to get some real snow," Randolph said. "It's coming out of the northwest. It's got really cold air with it."

By noon Wednesday, the storm was expected to drop 2 to 6 inches in the valleys, between 3 and 10 inches in the benches, and a foot to 3 feet in the mountains. Ski resorts were reporting the biggest snowfall totals for the state.

By 5 p.m. Monday , the peaks at Alta had been graced by nearly a foot of new snow, predictably as pure powder, according to the National Weather Service. The mountain valleys of Heber and Park City were expected to get up to a foot of snow, while Salt Lake Valley only received a dusting.

In Utah County Monday, the first big snowstorm of the season produced spotty snow showers that varied in intensity.

During the evening commute, many drivers took extra precautions on the slick roads, including Samara Wright of Provo.

Her commute from Springville to Provo usually takes her 10 minutes, she said. Because of the snow, it took a half hour.

"I hate it because a lot of people don't know how to drive (in snow)," she said. "I see people speeding and tailgating — I just try to stay as far away from other cars as possible."

Even a dusting created some trouble on Utah's roads, including several slide-offs and a jack-knifed semi truck on the Summit County side of Parleys Canyon, Utah Highway Patrol trooper Jeff Nigbur said. Westbound traffic was closed for almost an hour, but snowplows were able to clear the conditions quickly.

Nigbur said if conditions prove necessary by morning, more troopers will be called out to assist during the commute. Drivers are cautioned to watch for icy spots and drive accordingly.

Monday afternoon and evening in Orem, officers Chris Watson and Nick Thomas said they were busier than normal.

"The first snows are always the worst," Watson said. "People aren't used to the slick roads and they get overconfident."