More snow, rain coming as temperatures drop

The first major snowstorm of 2009 dropped less than 2 inches on the Salt Lake Valley floor Tuesday, much of which quickly melted. But more is forecast, along with parka-worthy temperatures.

A winter storm warning for heavy snow and strong winds remains in effect until 11 p.m. today for mountain areas in northern and eastern Utah, which could receive 1 to 2 feet of snow by then.

"In the Salt Lake Valley, we expect some flurries and light snow showers off and on for the next 24 hours or so," said Glen Merrill, a forecaster at the National Weather Service's Salt Lake City office.

He said the heaviest snow is expected to be in the Uintas and the east central mountains, with the storm expected to linger in those

areas through today. Tooele could see heavier snow.

Unsettled weather will remain in the state for the rest of the week. The forecast for Salt Lake City calls for clearing Thursday, with a high of 32 degrees, and lows dipping into the mid-20s. More rain or snow is expected on Friday. The St. George area has a slight chance of snow today with a high of 42.

Drivers appeared to handle Tuesday's messy commute without too much trouble.

UHP spokesman Cameron Roden said the snow "wasn't overwhelming" as the storm slowly built in strength over the morning. There were no serious or fatal accidents, although Interstate 15 was "messy" in Box Elder County and troopers were busy on Interstate 80 and State Road 201 in Salt Lake County, Roden said.

As of midday Tuesday, the UHP reported more than two dozen storm-related accidents in Salt Lake City, only three of which caused minor injuries.

Salt Lake City International Airport spokeswoman Barbara Gann said there were no weather-related delays on Tuesday.

Area ski resorts received their share of snow, with up to 10 inches at Alta.

"We have several inches at the base so far and the [Little Cottonwood Canyon] road is restricted to four-wheel drive or chains," Dave Fields of Snowbird said Tuesday afternoon. "It's snowing hard and it feels like winter."

The snowy weather also put the Utah Avalanche Center into action. The organization began issuing intermittent advisories Tuesday morning, accessible at www.utahavalanchecenter.org, or by recording at 1-888-999-4019.

Avalanche forecasters said hikers, snowshoers, skiers, riders and hunters should avoid steep blanketed and drifted slopes in higher elevations. The forecast was issued for the Wasatch and Bear River ranges, the Wasatch Plateau and particularly the Uintas.

For winter road conditions from the Utah Department of Transportation, drivers can visit www.commuterlink.Utah.gov or dial 511 on a cell phone.

wharton@sltrib.com