Blast of valley snow causes difficult commute in northern Utah, canyon roads

SALT LAKE CITY — After a multi-day winter advisory sent meteorologists studying a slew of different weather models, the amount of snow expected in Utah’s valleys was still a large variant. But on Friday, Salt Lakers awoke to a fresh blanket of snow — a much-needed treat at the near-end of a dry winter.  

The valley snow brought on some vehicle crashes and traffic on Friday though, too, as the morning commute began to move. 

Traffic reporter Heather Kelly said the slick road conditions caused multiple crashes on different roadways from Tooele to Provo. Authorities warned of possible ice on the roads, telling drivers to keep a slow pace and take extra caution.

If you can delay your travel until after the sun comes out and warms temps above freezing — you will be MUCH better off. Right now snow is sticking to several roads and we have dozens of crashes on I-215, I-15, I-80 the 201 Freeway and some city streets. pic.twitter.com/0yoG2meBkq

— Heather Kelly (@HeatherKellyMMS) March 7, 2025

 

A live ride in Mobile 5 Friday morning showed KSL reporters and crew how quickly road conditions were changing as they traveled, especially when approaching canyons. Utah’s traction law was in effect near those areas.

The Utah Department of Transportation said Big Cottonwood Canyon was open while Little Cottonwood Canyon’s state Route 210 was closed for avalanche mitigation efforts. The estimated time of reopening was 8:30.

I-15 near spaghetti bowl area. 4:00AM #utwx. Could be a commuter special this morning if these heavier snowfall rates keep up. pic.twitter.com/vrPQ51dLM4

— Matthew Johnson (@KSL_Matt) March 7, 2025

The snowstorm is expected to continue in the mountains and slow down in the valley before 11 a.m.