Utah Mountains Forecast Up to 4 Inches of Late-Season Snow

Utah’s higher mountain elevations are forecast to receive up to 4 inches of snow from a system moving through the region late Friday into Saturday.

A social-media post from the WasatchSnow account stated that some computer models show isolated pockets of up to a foot of snow in the highest terrain of the Wasatch and Uinta ranges. The same post noted that the system is a cool, closed low expected to bring the threat of snow to the highest elevations.

Lead meteorologist Seth Warthen at the Salt Lake City forecast office told Newsweek that measurable snow at this time of year is atypical because most spring systems lack sufficient cold air.

State data indicate winter snowpack levels peaked well below historical averages, leaving runoff projected at a fraction of normal volumes. Warthen said any additional liquid is welcome but added that 4 inches of snow will not offset the season-long deficit.

The agency is still evaluating whether to issue winter-weather advisories, noting that impacts will be limited to alpine zones. Hikers and climbers planning to enter higher terrain are advised to check conditions for slick surfaces and reduced visibility.