Winter Storm in Wasatch Mountains South of I-80, Utah

A powerful winter storm brought heavy snow and strong winds to the area. Reported snow observations include 47 inches of snow at Alta - Collins (4.7 inches water), 36 inches of snow at Brighton Crest (3.7 inches water), 32 inches of snow at Solitude (3.3 inches water), and 28 inches of snow at Park City Mountain (2.7 inches of water). Additionally, SNOTEL stations including Thaynes Canyon and Mill-D North recorded from 2.2 to 2.4 inches of snow water equivalent, resulting in approximately 31 to 34 inches of snow. Some peak wind gust observations through the event include 103 mph at Arrowhead Summit, 96 mph at Hidden Peak, and 84 mph at Alta - Mt Baldy. A prolonged period of intense snow rates at or in excess of 3 inches per hour along with the strong winds 2/18 resulted in premature closure of area ski resorts, and full closure of both Big Cottonwood Canyon and Little Cottonwood Canyon. Little Cottonwood Canyon remained closed into the following morning for avalanche mitigation. Numerous slide-offs and accidents were also reported in the Cottonwood canyons in addition to Provo Canyon.

A strong and moist trough pushed inland during the middle portion of February, leading to several days of impactful weather. Strong southwesterly flow on the leading edge of the trough resulted in many instances of strong winds and gusts, and moisture was sufficient to begin producing mountain snow more or less throughout the state. The deep nature of the trough then contained sufficient cold air to drop snow levels following a cold frontal passage, bringing snow to many valley floors, areas of scattered snow squalls, and a period of intense snowfall rates to some of the northern mountains. The snowfall resulted in numerous vehicle accidents, road and canyon closures, and avalanches (of which a fatality was reported).