Winter Storm in Sanpete Valley, Utah

In addition to observed wind gusts of 59 and 60 mph at the US-89 at MP 254 South Manti mesonet site, a storm total snowfall report of 7 inches was received from Manti. Further derived analyses suggests similar snow totals were likely realized across other more observational sparse areas of the 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.