More snow expected in Utah’s mountains after Saturday’s storm

Much of Utah is under a winter storm warning until midnight Sunday, and a hard freeze is expected Monday morning, according to the National Weather Service.

A cold front swept through the state Saturday, bringing the first snow of the season to northern Utah’s mountains. Alta Ski Area and Solitude Mountain Resort both received 18 inches, according to the weather service.

While the Salt Lake City area did see some flurries, the snow mostly melted as it fell. However, the snow line crept down toward the valley overnight.

A north-south swath of the state from Logan to St. George is under a winter storm warning until midnight, with “heavy” snow forecast for the mountains. Accumulations of 12 to 24 inches are expected, with more possible in the upper Cottonwood canyons and High Uintas.

The heavy snow will result in winter driving conditions, according to the weather service, so keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle if you decide to travel through seasonal routes or mountain passes.

On Monday morning, many valley locations including the Wasatch Front, Sevier and Sanpete valleys, San Rafael Swell, Capitol Reef and Western Canyonlands are forecast to experience the coldest temperatures of the season so far, below 28 degrees, according to the weather service. These hard freeze conditions are expected to kill or damage plants and gardens and freeze external pipes.

The weather service recommends protecting vulnerable plants to prevent damage and winterizing exposed sprinkler lines.

On Sunday, the Salt Lake area will see rain mixed with snow and a high of 41 degrees, according to the weather service. After Sunday night’s hard freeze, Monday will be sunny with a high of 47 degrees. On Tuesday and Wednesday, expect cold and wet conditions, with highs in the 40s and lows in the 30s. The rest of the week will clear up, with highs in the low 50s.

In St. George, the forecast is sunny and cool, with a high of 56 degrees and a low of 38 expected Sunday. Monday will see a high of 61 and a low of 41. The rest of the week looks mild and dry, with a chance of rain forecast Wednesday night.