Wednesday Storm Window: Alta Sees Another 3–5”
The Cottonwoods are still sitting beneath the wet center of a Pacific storm, and the National Weather Service keeps Little Cottonwood Canyon in a high-probability zone for another 3–5” of snow today. Expect a 90% chance of precipitation, a consistent west breeze near 10 mph, and enough energy to fire off isolated thunderstorms, so keep the hood zipped until the canyon finally breathes out after dark.
Day quality: 7/10 ███████░░░ — the air is heavy, visibility is chopped to flat light, and the soft snow rewards anyone who slows down, layers up, and leans on flotation.
Storm window
- Alta station SLC/108,166 sits in a steady west wind that holds highs in the mid-30s before tapering into upper-20s tonight.
- Snow sharpens from heavy snow into lingering snow showers after 11 a.m., so the best west-facing laps are before the midafternoon rain-snow mix shows up.
- The NWS still quotes a 90% chance of precipitation with a period of heavier snow midmorning, so plan to ski the open runs early and wrap up before the window fades.
Alta
Alta’s report recorded 5” of fresh snow in the last 24 hours, 212” on the season, and a 89” base. Ninety-nine of 118 runs and all five lifts are rotating, and drivers are reminded that Little Cottonwood Canyon remains a 4×4-or-chains-required road during today’s storm surge. Pack traction, arrive early, and assume the roads will stay slushy until the sun finally pokes out.
Solitude
Solitude added 6” overnight and sits at a 75” base. Roughly 74 of 82 runs and nine lifts (including the upper lifts) keep turning, and the resort is warning of a wet Wednesday with steady west winds gusting into the mid-30s. Expect a mix of rain and sleet around the canyon mouth, so keep the snow soft until the brief midday reprieve.
Brighton
Brighton reported 7” in the past 24 hours, an 83” base, and 73 of 77 runs open with every lift spinning and five terrain parks live. Cold-pressed snow is tacky, so crews remind guests to cold-wax and expect sticky, surfy coverage on the lower groomers.
Snowbird
Snowbird celebrated a cool 5” bonus overnight that nudged the season past 200”. It expects just 1–2” more today, highs flirting with 41°, constant west gusts, and uphill travel remains closed. All 14 lifts and 144 of 149 runs are on patrol, so stay in bounds and pace the steeper laps.
Deer Valley
Deer Valley tallied 1” in the last 24 hours and holds a 50” base. The mountain reports 178 of 202 runs and 26 of 31 lifts available, and guests are pointed to the Ikon Pass App or the Mountain Report for real-time lift changes during the shifting storm.
Park City Mountain
Park City piled on 5” in the past day and now shows a 62” base. All 41 lifts (including the new H/C system) are running, 282 of 350 trails are groomed, and groomer picks include Claim Jumper, Muckers, Doc’s, and Chicane while three terrain parks (52 features, eight jumps) stay tuned for the storm loading.
NOAA/NWS
The NWS grid for Alta keeps today’s high near 36° with heavy snow switching to lingering snow showers after 11 a.m., a west wind around 10 mph, and the evening cooldown dropping into the mid-20s with a 50% chance of light snow.
Reddit chatter
- “Seeing conflicting reports of between 10-20 inches expected this to mid single digits with rain 🙁 Have a trip planned for this weekend. What are current conditions like and your expectations?” — u/GuerriladomTom on r/skiing
- “What are current conditions like and your expectations?” — same thread link
Gear
- What to wear: Start with a moisture-wicking base, add a light fleece or tech midlayer, and seal it with a 10k/10k or higher waterproof shell plus cuffed bibs. Midweight waterproof gloves or mitts, a breathable liner, and a helmet with a hood keep the soaked snow from stealing warmth.
- What ski choice makes sense: A 100+mm waist, rocker-friendly ski keeps you afloat in the heavy snow, but keep a tuned all-mountain carve handy for the firm laps between storms.
- Goggle lens: Low-light rose/amber lenses fight the flat light, and a foam-sealed mask pairs with a hooded shell to limit spillover when the snow turns puffy.