Heavy Snow Warning as 20 Inches Set to Hit Southwest

A powerful winter storm is expected to dump up to 20 inches of snow in the U.S. Southwest later this week.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The National Weather Service (NWS) office in Salt Lake City, Utah, has issued a winter storm watch ahead of an incoming storm system that is expected to bring heavy, travel-disrupting snow to the Wasatch Mountains, Western Uinta Mountains, and Central Mountains beginning early Thursday. Forecasters say the Upper Cottonwoods could see the heaviest totals of up to 20 inches, with a cold front triggering periods of intense snow followed by additional wraparound bands into Friday morning.

Why it matters

The heavy snowfall is likely to create hazardous conditions on mountain routes, including Mirror Lake Highway, Logan Summit, Alta and Brighton, where traction restrictions may be required. The storm also raises concerns about avalanche danger in the region.

The details

Between 6 and 14 inches of snow are expected elsewhere within the watch area. A brief lull is expected Thursday afternoon before snow redevelops overnight, and drivers are urged to monitor conditions and check real-time updates from Utah transportation officials.

  • The winter storm watch will remain in effect through Friday afternoon.
  • Heavy, travel-disrupting snow is expected to begin early Thursday.
  • A period of accumulating snowfall, heavy at times, is expected to accompany a cold front passage Thursday morning.
  • A lull in activity is expected Thursday afternoon before wrap around showers move back into the region late Thursday into Friday morning.

The players

National Weather Service (NWS)

The National Weather Service office in Salt Lake City, Utah, that issued the winter storm watch.

Phil Ware

A meteorologist with the NWS who spoke to Newsweek about the incoming storm.

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What they’re saying

“We also need to consider the avalanche danger as well, but that's a little more uncertain at this point.”

— Phil Ware, Meteorologist (Newsweek)

What’s next

It's possible forecasters will upgrade the alert to a winter storm warning later this week as the storm gets closer.

The takeaway

This winter storm is expected to bring significant snowfall and hazardous travel conditions to the Southwest, underscoring the importance of monitoring weather alerts and road conditions before and during the storm.