The Nationwide Climate Service (NWS) in Salt Lake Metropolis has issued an emergency alert winter weather advice affecting mountainous areas in 15 Utah countieswarning of recent snowfall and dangerous journey circumstances by way of Thursday afternoon.
The advisory, issued at 4:53 a.m. MST on February 12, 2026, will stay in impact till 5:00 p.m. MST. Forecasters say snow showers, which briefly subsided within the late morning hours, are anticipated to extend once more later within the day.
Extra snow accumulations of two to 4 inches are anticipated for the Wasatch Mountains and Western Uinta Mountains, whereas the Wasatch Plateau and Guide Cliffs might obtain 1 to three inches.
Areas particularly talked about within the advisory embody: Alta, Brighton, Logan Summit, Mantua, Moon Lake, Mirror Lake Freeway, Scofield and Indian Canyon. Increased areas are anticipated to expertise the best impacts, with temporary intervals of average to heavy snow potential within the afternoon.
Meteorologists warn that even comparatively modest quantities of snow can result in harmful highway circumstances, particularly in mountainous terrain the place elevation modifications and shaded roads permit snow and ice to build up rapidly. Decreased visibility throughout heavier snow showers can additional complicate journey.
Winter driving circumstances are anticipated, the advisory states, urging motorists to decelerate and use warning. Slippery roads, snow-covered surfaces and sudden climate modifications can result in delays and an elevated threat of accidents, particularly alongside mountain passes and high-altitude highways.
The Utah Division of Transportation (UDOT) advises motorists to verify highway circumstances in actual time earlier than touring. Up to date visitors and highway info is out there at udottraffic.utah.gov.
The Nationwide Climate Service additionally offers graphical snowfall forecasts, together with official, high-end and low-end accumulation estimates, on its web site at Climate.gov/slc/winter.
Winter climate advisories are issued when snow, drifting snow, sleet or freezing rain are anticipated to trigger discomfort and doubtlessly harmful circumstances. Whereas not as severe as a winter storm warning, the advisories point out warning is required, particularly for these touring by way of affected areas.
Utah’s mountainous areas usually expertise quickly altering climate patterns through the winter months. A day resurgence of snow showers, after a brief lull, is frequent when atmospheric moisture and chilly air mix with terrain-driven climate techniques. Forecasters emphasize that circumstances in these areas can change rapidly, making preparation important.
Residents and guests planning a visit by way of the Wasatch or Uinta areas are inspired to permit additional time, scale back speeds and guarantee autos are geared up for winter circumstances. It’s extremely really useful that you just carry emergency provides together with blankets, water and traction gear.
The advisory underlines the significance of monitoring up to date forecasts all through the day, as snowfall depth and protection can fluctuate. Extra statements or updates could also be issued if circumstances worsen.
For extra info, residents can go to the Nationwide Climate Service Salt Lake Metropolis workplace web site at Climate.gov/saltlakecity. Vacationers are additionally inspired to verify UDOT sources for the newest highway and visitors updates earlier than touring.
Officers reiterate that warning and preparedness stay the best measures to make sure security throughout winter climate circumstances.