Storm leaves roads slushy for Thursday morning commute

SALT LAKE CITY — March roared out like a lion Wednesday as a major wintry storm blasted into Utah, and National Weather Service forecasters said morning commuters will likely face a slushy drive Thursday.

The first major snowstorm in several weeks hit Utah and gave ski resorts such as Alta, Brighton and Snowbird 8-11 inches of new snow.

However, besides several accidents on westbound I-80 backing up traffic for about two hours during the Wednesday afternoon commute home, most of the roads remained clear of snow build-up, thanks to warm road temperatures melting the snow.

Weather-related accidents on I-80 spanned from about 5600 West to 7200 West, including a 10-car accident that backed up traffic for about an hour at 11800 West on westbound I-80 near Saltair. However, no major injuries were reported, Utah Highway Patrol trooper Cameron Roden said.

At the Salt Lake International Airport Wednesday evening, temperatures around 34 degree, with light snow and fog dominating the skies, were more typical of February than late March.

While downtown Salt Lake City had only light snow sticking to the ground from this strong Pacific cold front, Sandy reported 4 inches of snow by Wednesday evening.

Grantsville received the most snow in Tooele County, hitting about 8 inches by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, and the Bountiful bench received 5 inches. Park City is reported to have up to a foot of snow. Davis and Weber counties received minimal snow on the ground

The heaviest snowfall hit the mountains — 1 to 3 feet. Travel on mountain roads is expected to be hazardous.

According to the Utah Avalanche Center, avalanche danger in northern Utah is rated as moderate. With more snow in the forecast, the avalanche danger will continue to increase through Friday.

The chance for more precipitation, according to the Salt Lake office of the National Weather Service, was for another 1 to 3 inches of snow possible Wednesday night. However, forecasters predicted the snow won't stick to the ground except in a few spots. Overnight temperatures were expected to be in the low 30s.

Thursday's daytime high will peak at 42 degrees, and there is an 80 percent chance of more snow — as much as another 3 inches in the northern valleys.

The chance for snow showers in Salt Lake City will decrease to 20 percent Thursday night and Friday daytime. The high temperature Friday should reach the upper 40s.

There is a 30 percent chance of showers on Saturday, with temperatures hovering around 50 degrees.

There is a slight chance of showers on Easter Sunday, with temperatures predicted to be about 52.

There is also a chance of rain and snow on Monday and Tuesday of next week, and temperatures are expected to exceed the mid 50s.

For current road conditions, go to www.commuterlink.utah.gov or call 511.

Contributing: Lana Groves

e-mail: lynn@desnews.com