Utah forecast: Breezy and wet with snow and ..

Winter • Up to 6 inches of snow is expected in northern and central valleys.

This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

A potent storm system juiced by moisture from the Pacific Ocean could dump up to 2 feet of snow in northern Utah mountains between Wednesday afternoon and Friday morning, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

Central and southern Utah mountains could see up to 18 inches of snow by the time the storm exits Utah. Three to 6 inches are expected in northern and central valleys, and 6 to 12 inches could fall on benches.

The NWS issued a winter storm warning for northern Utah mountains from 11 a.m. Wednesday through 11 a.m. on Friday. Snow accumulations will impact travel through Logan, Parleys and other canyon passes. NWS forecaster Nanette Hosenfeld said valley commuters could be affected by the storm Wednesday evening, Thursday morning and Friday morning.

The good news? High pressure should move in for the weekend and turn off the spigot.

Tuesday's storm, which turned to sunny skies by late afternoon, left up to 16 inches of fresh snow in northern Utah mountains. Even some valley locations fared well: Sandy reported 3.6 inches of snow and Pleasant Grove 3 inches. The 16 inches, containing more than 1 inch of water, was recorded at an elevation of 9,500 feet at Brighton Crest. Alta reported from 13 to 15 inches, and the Park City summit reported 8.

Avalanche danger remained "red" or high in the western Uintas on Tuesday while the mountain slopes near Logan, Ogden, Salt Lake City and Provo were graded "orange" or at considerable risk for potentially deadly snow slides.

Salt Lake City's high temperature Wednesday was forecast for 48 degrees. By Thursday, the cold front will force the high temperature down by 10 degrees, where it will stay through Friday. On Saturday, however, the weather service is predicting a high of 44 degrees in Salt Lake.

St. George is expecting a high of 59 on Wednesday under partly sunny skies. The chance of precipitation there is 20 percent on Thursday, but the skies will clear as temps are predicted to warm to 66 on Sunday.

Utah forecast: Breezy and wet with snow and rain statewide