SALT LAKE CITY — The northern Utah valleys saw its first substantial snowfall of the season Saturday, which created potential hazardous driving conditions on local roads.
Just over 1.5 inches of snow was recorded in Salt Lake City, according to the National Weather Service, which makes it the snowiest day of the slow-developing winter season.
Winter Weather advisories that were in effect for the Salt Lake valleys, Wasatch Front and Cache Valley expired at noon as the snow wound down in the late morning.
Snow fell on the valley floors but with minimal accumulation. However, the benches in both Davis and Salt Lake counties received over 6 inches of snow in local areas.
A Road Weather Alert was issued for roads in the northern and central parts of the state and will be in place through 6 p.m. Saturday.
Higher areas in the mountains and summits will see heavy road snow, with Solitude and Alta ski resorts recording 17 and 18 inches of snow overnight and this morning, respectively.
Traction laws are in effect for both Big and Little Cottonwood canyons where the Utah Department of Transportation reported heavy snow and high volumes of traffic, with "many vehicles struggling with conditions/slide offs."
While the snow has mostly stopped, drivers are still urged to slow down while on the roads as slushy conditions remain.
Temperatures are forecast to drop below freezing on Saturday night, which could cause an issue with black ice, as well as ice on bridges and overpasses.
