Wasatch Mountains Brace for Snowstorm as Warm Spell Ends

Quick-moving cold front to bring 5-10 inches of snow Monday evening, with another storm possible later this week

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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After an unseasonably warm start to March, a cold front is set to move into Utah on Monday, bringing heavy snow to the Wasatch Mountains. Forecasters expect 6-11 inches of snow in the Cottonwood Canyons, 3-7 inches in the Park City area, and 4-9 inches further north around Powder Mountain and Snowbasin. The snow is expected to arrive Monday evening and continue into early Tuesday morning. Another storm system could bring around a foot of additional snow later this week.

Why it matters

The Wasatch Mountains are a major draw for skiers and snowboarders, and significant snowfall is crucial for the region's winter tourism industry. After a below-average snowfall month in February, this storm could help replenish the snowpack ahead of the spring melt.

The details

The cold front moving in on Monday is expected to drop heavy, wet snow, with the potential for some thunder and graupel as well. Winds will shift to the northwest, which could lead to additional accumulations in the Cottonwood Canyons on Tuesday morning. The next storm system is forecast to arrive overnight Wednesday into Thursday, potentially bringing around a foot of new snow.

  • The cold front is expected to move into Utah on Monday afternoon.
  • The majority of the snowfall is expected Monday evening into early Tuesday morning.
  • Lingering snow showers are possible in the Cottonwood Canyons on Tuesday morning.
  • The next storm system is forecast to arrive overnight Wednesday into Thursday.

The players

National Weather Service

The federal agency responsible for weather forecasting and issuing weather-related warnings.

University of Utah Department of Atmospheric Sciences

The university's department that conducts research and provides expertise on weather and climate.

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What they’re saying

“This winter has been the warmest on record, referring to 'meteorological winter,' which runs from December through March, with an average temperature of 40.7 °F at the Salt Lake City International Airport official weather observing station.”

— National Weather Service (townlift.com)

What’s next

The National Weather Service will continue to monitor the storm systems and provide updated forecasts as the weather patterns evolve.

The takeaway

After an unusually warm start to March, the Wasatch Mountains are set to receive significant snowfall this week, which could help replenish the snowpack and support the region's vital winter tourism industry.