Winter Storm — Wasatch Mountains South of I80, Utah

2002-01-27 to 2002-01-29 · Wasatch Mountains South of I80, Utah

Wider weather episode

A major winter storm blasted Northern Utah with heavy snow, strong winds, and bitter cold air. When it was over, snowfall totals ranged from 2-4 feet in the mountains, with 2 feet in the Cache Valley, 10-20 inches along the Northern Wasatch Front, and 3-6 inches in the Salt lake Valley. The heavy snow bands that set up along the cold front virtually shut down Logan and surrounding areas. On the 28th, schools were closed in the Cache Valley, Rich County, and Box Elder County. Utah State University cancelled classes, and Logan City offices were closed. As the storm moved south, heavy snow and strong winds resulted in road closures and hundreds of accidents. US Highway 40 was closed from Park City to Heber City due to whiteout conditions. Most ski resorts were either closed or restricted to limited terrain due to whiteout conditions and dangerous avalanche conditions. Snowfall totals in the mountains included 45 inches at Brighton, 42.5 inches at Alta, 34 inches at Solitude, 24-36 inches in the town of Park City, 31 inches at Snowbird, 30 inches at Powder Mountain, and 20 inches at Snowbasin. The lower elevations had impressive totals as well, with Clarkston coming in with 29 inches, Logan 22.5 inches, Smithfield 22 inches, Liberty and Ogden 15 inches, Brigham City 11 inches, South Ogden 9 inches, Centerville 8 inches, Stansbury Park 6 inches, and the Salt Lake City International Airport 4.5 inches.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5324224. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.