High Wind in Upper Sevier River Valleys, Utah

The Junction South mesonet site measured the first wind gust exceeding high wind criteria, with an initial high wind gust of 64 mph observed 3/2 at 9:50 am MST. The Junction South mesonet site measured the zone's peak wind gust during the event, with a gust of 68 mph observed 3/2 at 2:20 pm MST. The Junction South mesonet site also measured the last wind gust exceeding high wind criteria, with a final high wind gust of 60 mph observed 3/2 at 8:20 pm MST. Of note, there are very limited observing stations within this zone.

A strong system approached the region for the start of March, with very anomalously strong low level flow noted ahead of a cold frontal boundary. This strong low level flow resulted in a prolonged period of strong sustained and gusty winds across almost the entirety of Utah. As the cold front moved into northern Utah, some areas experienced convective precipitation and associated strong wind gusts. Winds began to subside following the passage of the cold front, but the colder air allowed for precipitation to transition to snow, yielding accumulating snow across much of the area. Mountain locations which remained sufficiently cold throughout the event received fairly substantial snow accumulations in addition to the prolonged strong winds.