Winter Storm — Utah Valley, Utah

2024-03-02 to 2024-03-03 · Utah Valley, Utah

Event narrative

The Tintic mesonet site measured the first wind gust exceeding high wind criteria, with an initial high wind gust of 59 mph observed 3/2 at 7:10 am MST. The EW4925 Provo mesonet site (personal weather station) measured the last wind gust exceeding high wind criteria, with a final high wind gust of 62 mph observed 3/2 at 4:25 pm MST. The Tintic mesonet site measured the zone's peak wind gust during the event, with a gust of 82 mph observed 3/2 at 2:00 pm MST. Finally, some additional selected observed gusts at mesonet sites in the zone through the event time included 68 mph at EMC-PonyEx, 66 mph at SR-68 at MP 15 Mosida, and 60 mph at Flight Park South. Many sites recorded multiple wind gusts in excess of 58 mph throughout the event. Areas of heavy snow and accumulations were also noted through the zone. Some storm total snow accumulation reports include 12 inches at Woodland Hills, 8 inches at Payson, and 6 inches at Spanish Fork Power House.

Wider weather episode

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.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1157991. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.