Snow delights resorts, skiers

Northern Utah was blanketed by new snow Monday, to the delight of ski resorts, skiers and those who are hoping for a white Christmas.

It didn't stick to the valley roads much, but it did to rooftops.

Snowbird Ski Resort reported 7 inches of new snow by late Monday evening, with another 2 to 4 inches possible during the night.

"This is making for some great conditions," said Jared Ishkanian, Snowbird spokesman, explaining that a storm last week added heavy snow, while Monday's was more of the light stuff — creating a good contrast in snow conditions.

Monday's storm only put an inch or so on most of the Salt Lake Valley floor, but any flurries are welcome given the drought of snowflakes in Salt Lake during the past several months.

Drivers didn't seem to have to much difficulty commuting through the snow. Utah Highway Patrol trooper Cameron Roden said they didn't see a significant increase in accidents on I-15.

"It hasn't been too horrible, we've been able to keep up with them," he said. "So far, people have been commuting pretty safely."

The Salt Lake International Airport only received 24 percent of its average precipitation in October and 38 percent of normal in November. Other than a trace on Dec. 4, Monday's snow was the only taste of winter this month.

The airport on average receives 2.6 inches of snow in December by Dec. 8.

The next round of moisture isn't expected until Saturday, when valley rain is in the forecast, followed by a chance of snow Saturday night and Sunday.

Tuesday should be mostly sunny, with a high near 44. Temperatures could be cold again by Sunday, with a daytime high expected then of only 33 degrees.

On Wednesday, the Utah Department of Transportation will close a section of U.S. 189 through Provo Canyon while crews conduct avalanche control measures from 10 to 11:30 a.m. UDOT officials said drivers should expect intermittent closures about 15 minutes long.

Contributing: Jens Dana. E-mail: lynn@desnews.com