Upcoming storm could mitigate current fire danger in Utah
Oct 16, 2024, 11:00 AM
Smoke inversion is visible in an area near the Yellow Lake Fire. Firefighters could finally get a break this weekend with an upcoming storm that is expected to curb current fire danger and wildfires. (U.S. Forest Service Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest via Facebook)
(U.S. Forest Service Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest via Facebook)
SALT LAKE CITY — Firefighters could finally get a break this weekend as 1 to 2 feet of mountain snow is forecasted to fall. This will likely help prevent the spread of the Yellow Lake Fire and help mitigate any current fire danger.
On Wednesday, Utah has higher than normal temperatures plus increased wind from a storm system moving in. The storm system is creating a high risk for new fires in western Utah and adding to the current fire danger
However, on Thursday, the storm system will arrive and meteorologist Monica Traphagan with the National Weather Service said the rain and snow will help decrease fire danger.
“As of right now the fuels remain … record dry for October,” she said. “If we get the amount of precipitation we’re expecting, that will help that significantly.”
Additionally, Traphagan said the upcoming storm will bring much-needed moisture to the state.
“This will be … widespread mountain snow [and] valley rain,” she said.
The NWS expects 1 to 2 feet of snow to fall in the Uintas, dropping temperatures by 30 degrees. That’s below average for October.
Traphagan advised that if you’re planning to visit the mountains this weekend, you should reconsider because of the heavy snow and low temperatures.
Allessandra Harris-Gurr is a reporter for KSL NewsRadio.
