High Wind — Wasatch Mountains South of I80, Utah

1996-12-16 · Wasatch Mountains South of I80, Utah

Wider weather episode

A strong arctic front blew through the state on this date. High winds from the northeast developed as this front moved through. Wind gusts from 70-110 mph were recorded from all the remote observing platforms in the mountains. The highest wind gust measured was 111 mph on Baldy mountain at the Alta ski resort. At a skiing event at the Deer Valley ski resort, a 12 foot metal judges' stand was blown over. 6 of the judges were injured in the incident. Most of the state's ski lifts had to be closed. These winds also surfaced in some valleys in eastern Utah as well. Wind gusts estimated to be as high as 80 mph caused considerable damage in places. In Emery windows were blown out af a van. In Ferron roof and chimney damage was reported. There were also several reports of high profile vehicles being blown over. In Castledale a 40 foot trailer was blown off the road.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5582961. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.