WEATHER

Early California snow will likely impact Utah mountain ranges

Sep 16, 2024, 8:00 AM | Updated: 8:43 am

weather map shows radar image of rain and snow heading to utah mountain ranges...

A storm system that brought early snow to the Sierra Nevada is headed east toward Utah, where it is expected to drop a couple of inches of snow above 9,000 feet. (Screen grab from KSL Vortex Radar)

(Screen grab from KSL Vortex Radar)

SALT LAKE CITY — One of the earliest winter weather advisories in the last two decades for northern California will likely bring snow to the mountain ranges of northern Utah as soon as today. 

Forecast calls for California, Utah mountain snow

The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory for the Sierra Nevada mountains overnight. It forecast up to four inches of snow for the mountain range above about 8,000 feet. It marks the first time since 2007 the NWS predicted a September snowstorm for the region. 

Monday, the lead forecaster for the National Weather Service in Salt Lake City Mike Seaman said Utah can also expect high-elevation mountain snow. 

“So the storm system that’s moving in, bringing snow across the Sierras, is moving into the Great Basin today,” Seaman said. “We’re going to see some pretty strong winds across the region — wind gusts in excess of 40 miles an hour here from Salt Lake City southward through Cedar City . . . looking at valley rain, but actually some high elevation snow. We may see accumulations above about 9,000 feet, not looking for significant accumulations, but maybe just a couple of inches up there on the peaks of the Wasatch and the Uintas.”

For powder hounds, that means resort areas such as the peaks above Alta and Snowbird will likely see measurable snowfall. Seaman also expects the higher elevations of Mirror Lake Highway in Utah, such as the Bald Mountain area, will pick up enough snow to measure. 

La Niña and the winter forecast

While September snowfall is not unheard of in Utah, it is rare, according to Seaman. 

“It’s not uncommon to see snow across the higher grades in northern Utah as we get into the middle portion of September. There are certainly years where we don’t see any snow well into October and sometimes even early November,” Seaman said. 

KSL NewsRadio asked Seaman whether that bodes well for the winter snowpack or our water picture. 

“You know, it’s pretty early to say right now,” Seaman said. “It’s gonna be a kind of ‘wait and see,’ but in the meantime, with the storm system coming through — it doesn’t hurt. I’ll say that much just for our water supply, as we start out the water year here at the beginning of next month.” 

Seaman and other forecasters are watching the transition into a La Niña pattern, which he said sometimes favors heavy snowfall in Utah but sometimes does not. 

According to the NWS, a La Niña pattern pushes stronger-than-normal trade winds toward Asia across the Pacific Ocean, which results in cooler waters swelling up closer to the coasts of North and South America.

La Niña years typically result in dry conditions in the southern states, with wetter weather and even flooding in the Pacific Northwest. But Utah, being in the middle, can go either way, depending on exactly where the jet stream winds up. 

Read more: 

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Weather

Cold weather is expected to hit Utah....

Kennedy Camarena

Utah prepares for cold weather

Cold weather is expected to hit Utah this weekend with the National Weather Service predicting the cold will stick around after the weekend.

19 hours ago

FILE: The University of Utah campus and the Wasatch Mountain range is pictured from the Bonneville ...

Allessandra Harris Gurr

Current inversion in Salt Lake City will get worse before it gets better

Forecast data from Utah officials shows the air will remain moderately unhealthy at least through Friday.

3 days ago

Authorities are enforcing traction laws at the mouths of both Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons on ...

Alton Barnhart

Traction Law in effect through both Cottonwood Canyons

Utah Department of Transportation has announced that traction laws are in effect on Saturday for Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons.

7 days ago

The entrance to Big Cottonwood Canyon covered with snow on Jan. 4. Another storm is expected to mov...

Carter Williams, KSL.com

Advisories issued as snow returns to northern and central Utah

Advisories have begun to hit Northern and Central Utah as the state is expected to receive some snow this weekend once again.

8 days ago

A road sign explains that snow chains or four wheel drive are required...

Mariah Maynes

UDOT asks for public feedback on traction law enforcement increases

Following an increase in traction law enforcement, Utah Department of Transportation is asking Utah drivers for feedback.

11 days ago

FILE: Snow plows remove the snow in Big Cottonwood Canyon. Some snow plow drivers in Utah are looki...

Mike Anderson

UDOT crews keep busy despite seemingly slow winter so far

Although Utah hasn't received as much snow this year compared to in the past, UDOT said its crews are staying busy.

11 days ago

Sponsored Articles

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your Front Row to An Extraordinary Cosmos Show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

A surprise gift, wrapped and ready to bring holiday cheer! Whether for Christmas, a birthday, or an...

Western Nut

10 Holiday Gift Ideas to cover everyone on your list

This guide is for you if you need holiday gift ideas that will make a lasting impression. 

Stressed young woman checking bills, taxes, bank account balance and calculating expenses in the li...

The Law Offices of Jordan F. Wilcox

Why you should speak to a Utah lawyer about longstanding IRS tax issues

Hiring a lawyer to navigate longstanding IRS tax issues can make a significant difference in achieving a favorable resolution.

Early California snow will likely impact Utah mountain ranges