Warm storm brings rain to Park City, upper mountains could see significant accumulation

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A winter weather advisory is in effect for elevations above 8,000 feet in the Wasatch and Western Uinta Mountains from 8 a.m. Tuesday through 5 p.m. Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service in Salt Lake City. For Park City, the storm tells two very different stories depending on where you're standing on the mountain. Westerly winds are already building ahead of the system, which is arriving on southwest flow. The timing of precipitation remains somewhat uncertain, with the Utah Avalanche Center estimating a late morning through afternoon arrival Tuesday.

Why it matters

The warm nature of this storm is the defining characteristic skiers and backcountry users need to understand. Freezing levels will start around 7,800 feet Tuesday morning before rising as high as 9,800 feet by evening, meaning rain-on-snow is the more likely scenario than a full snow event for much of the day. The Utah Avalanche Center is flagging elevated concern heading into this system, and the mechanics of the storm are a key reason why.

The details

At valley level, expect a mix of rain and snow before 2 p.m. transitioning to straight rain through the afternoon and evening, with a high near 45 degrees. Snow levels are forecast to begin around 6,500 feet at the onset of precipitation before rising quickly to 8,000 feet by Tuesday afternoon, and potentially reaching 10,000 feet overnight under heavier precipitation. The NWS describes the snow character as heavy and wet given the warm storm track. Upper ridgelines will see the most significant wind impact, with gusts reaching up to 80 mph possible on exposed terrain.

• Snow starts in the mountains Tuesday.
• The winter weather advisory is in effect from 8 a.m. Tuesday through 5 p.m. Wednesday.

What’s next

After the system clears Wednesday night, conditions improve quickly. Thursday brings mostly sunny skies and a high near 46 degrees. Friday looks even warmer with sunshine and a high near 52. The weekend introduces another chance of rain returning Saturday and persisting into Sunday, with a possible thunderstorm Sunday.