A storm expected to dump several inches of snow in northern Utah during the Friday morning commute has hampered travel in some areas and snarled traffic particularly along Interstate 15. The snow is creating problems in Little and Big Cottonwood canyons. The Utah Department of Transportation reports that Little Cottonwood Canyon road was closed at temporarily for avalanche control work.
The Utah Highway Parol responded to several car crashes in Weber County and along I-15. There also are several reported crashes on the northern end of Utah County.
The snowstorm prompted Gov. Gary Herbert on Thursday night to delay opening state offices and the National Weather Service to warn people to avoid driving if at all possible.
The NWS predicted between 1 to 3 inches would fall in Salt Lake City, Ogden and Brigham City, with between 6 to 8 inches in Park City and 3 to 6 inches in Heber City.
The winter storm will impact the I-15 corridor between Idaho and Cedar City. Conditions should improve by mid-morning.
Utah state government offices two hours later than normal because of the storm.
Around 8 a.m. Friday, there were reports of cars sliding off the road in Big Cottonwood Canyon.
Most ski resorts in northern Utah are reporting snowfall of 2 to 3 inches in the last 24 hours. Much more is in the forecast Friday for most of the ski areas. “Freshies to be had! Skiing is fantastic right now!” Alta said in its Friday morning ski report.
Early Friday morning, the National Weather Service warned about gusty winds — more than 50 mph — near Stansbury mountains west of Grantsville.
Meanwhile, an earthquake of 4.0 magnitude was recorded around 7:30 p.m. Thursday in Central Utah. According to the USGS, “light shaking” was felt and recorded near Beaver, Enoch, Milford and Minersville.