Off and on rain showers for much of Utah over the past two days as the first storm in our series brought moisture up into the state out of the south. Temps cooled a bit, but they still weren't exactly cold by any stretch. We did, however, see some snow over the highest elevations of the Uintas. Here is a look at the Bald Mountain Pass webcam image midday yesterday: 

We are already transitioning to the next system this morning. This system has several moving parts but essentially, the gist is that it will bring scattered showers to northern Utah today with the heaviest rains focused closer to the Idaho border through tonight. During the day on Friday, we should see precipitation shift farther south and continue off and on into Saturday in the Wasatch and adjacent valleys. Colder air will also filter into the area with snow levels dropping below 8000 feet on Saturday in the Wasatch. 

Here is the total precip thru Saturday afternoon: 

Widespread areas of an inch or more are possible north of SLC. Amounts drop considerably south of I-80 but we should still see some precip. As for snowfall amounts, the highest peaks of the northern Wasatch could see decent amounts on Friday, then we see lower snow levels Friday night into Saturday. Overall, I think 3-6" is possible above 8000 feet by Saturday -- with perhaps more on the highest peaks, especially farther north. 

We should have a break on Sunday into early Monday before the next system arrives for late Monday into Tuesday. This storm is much colder. Latest runs of the models have backed off quite a bit on the total expected precipitation. This is good news for those of us that are hoping to avoid significant snowfall that could lead to weak snowpack later in the season. Here is the WPC output for this storm at this time: 

Less than the current storm and more focused on Central Utah. While amounts may be more modest, this storm will be much colder, with the snow level likely dropping down to near valley floors along the Wasatch Front. Snow ratios in the mountains will be higher and we may see more snow from less moisture. At this point I would not be surprised to see 6-12" with more possible in favored areas. 

We clear out next Wednesday but remain cold. 

Not too much agreement beyond the middle of next week in the models, but in general it should be quieter for a period. After the cold snap, we should see leaves start changing and falling in earnest in the lower valleys later this month. 

Evan | OpenSnow