Blizzard — Central and Southwest Mountains, Utah

1997-01-11 to 1997-01-14 · Central and Southwest Mountains, Utah

Wider weather episode

A historic winter storm brought death and destruction to Utah during this 3 day period in January. Initially a moist westerly flow was in place over the state. Then a strong arctic front blew through on the 12th creating blizzard conditions. High northeast- east winds were reported along and behind the arctic front. Peak gusts occurred on the Bountiful Bench at 77 mph and East Millcreek Canyon at 66 mph. Deadly wind chill temperatures of 40-50 below zero developed across northern Utah. Some snow fell just about everywhere in the state. From 1-4 feet of snow fell in the mountains and 2-18 inches in the valleys. The highest storm total of 54 inches was reported at the Skyline Mine (at about 9,000 feet) in northwest Carbon county. Several avalances occurred during this storm. One near Logan Peak in Cache county killed 3 men. Avalanches also damaged vehicles and closed roads stranding vacationers at the various ski resorts. The high winds downed power lines and large trees. There was numerous reports of waterlines and pipes bursting causing extensive water damage throughout the state. Hundreds of flights were cancelled to and from the Salt Lake International Airport. This was indeed the Blizzard of '97.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5599755. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.