A major winter storm is forecast to bring up to 20 inches of snow to the U.S. Southwest later this week, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a winter storm watch. The Salt Lake City NWS office activated the alert early Wednesday, covering the Wasatch Mountains, Western Uinta Mountains, and Central Mountains. The watch warns of heavy, travel-disrupting snow starting early Thursday, with conditions expected to worsen as the storm progresses. NWS meteorologist Phil Ware told Newsweek that parts of the watch area may be upgraded to a winter storm warning later Wednesday. He emphasized that snow-covered mountain passes, including routes like Mirror Lake Highway, Logan Summit, Alta, and Brighton, pose the greatest risk. A brief respite is anticipated Thursday afternoon before snow returns overnight, urging drivers to monitor real-time updates from Utah transportation officials. Ware also noted that avalanche danger remains a concern, though its severity is still uncertain. The storm is expected to deliver the heaviest snowfall in the Upper Cottonwoods region, with totals potentially reaching 20 inches. A cold front will trigger intense snowfall periods followed by additional bands of snow into Friday morning. Between 6 and 14 inches of snow are projected for other areas within the watch zone. The winter storm watch highlights that accumulating snow, particularly on mountain routes, will create hazardous travel conditions. A lull in snowfall is expected Thursday afternoon before wraparound showers return late Thursday into Friday. The NWS warns that these conditions could lead to significant disruptions, especially for vehicles navigating mountain roads. The distinction between a winter storm watch and warning is critical.#national_weather_service #utah #phil_ware #wasatch_mountains #mirror_lake_highway
