More chilly white stuff is expected to grace Salt Lake City Saturday, leaving up to 3 inches of new snow on the valley floor. Ski resorts, however, could get double that in the morning hours before the storm tapers off, going back to colder temperatures.
Driving conditions in the northernmost areas of the state could become treacherous midmorning, and officials are asking holiday travelers and those heading long distances to be sure they're prepared before hitting the roads.
"In icy, slushy conditions, we always ask that drivers slow down and increase their following distance," said Utah Highway Patrol trooper Jeff Nigbur. He said during the past two Utah snowstorms, at least four troopers responding to incidents on the freeways have been hit by passing motorists, leaving a dearth of available resources on the roads during times of need. The officers were not injured, but Nigbur said it leaves the agency without a patrol car.
Vehicles, he said, should be checked to be sure they're in working order, including tires and tire pressure, windshield wipers and fluid levels, as well as defrost systems.
The storm will continue in Tremonton and Brigham City, which had been getting snow on and off through New Year's Day, and not much accumulation is expected south of Salt Lake, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Steven Rogowski. He said temperatures will stay in the low 30s throughout much of the weekend, which is average for this time of year. Last year, however, Jan. 2 saw a high temperature of 50 degrees, something Rogowski said won't happen this year.
KSL-TV weatherman Kevin Eubanks reported Friday that December 2009 boasted Utah's coldest average temperature in 19 years, at around 23.6 degrees. The month also saw some of the coldest high temperatures since 1972.
Ski resorts reported more than 150 inches of snow so far this year, with a couple new inches through the night at Solitude on New Year's Eve.
Snow showers are expected to taper off Saturday afternoon, and partly cloudy conditions will remain through Sunday.
e-mail: wleonard@desnews.com