ST. GEORGE — Winter weather is forecast for Southern Utah and the communities of Beaver, Cedar City and Milford, which, along with Washington, Iron and Beaver counties, are all included in a National Weather Service winter weather advisory.
Snow accumulations of up to four inches are expected and the advisory runs from 5 p.m. Friday through 8 a.m. Saturday.
Additionally, a snow squall is reportedly moving southeast from seven miles north of Fort Cove toward Cedar City. The weather service said in a news release at 6:34 p.m. that the following areas could be impacted: Cedar City, Beaver, Enoch, Parowan, Paragonah, Cove Fort, Cedar Breaks National Monument, Summit, Minersville, Brian Head, Manderfield, Adamsville and Hamilton Fort.
The snow squal warning also emphasized that “conditions can deteriorate rapidly in winter weather situations” and that visibility would be limited to less than a half mile.
The NWS also said the U.S. Forest Service Avalance Center in Salt Lake City has issued a backcountry avalanche warning for Washington, Iron, Beaver, Garfield and Kane counties, effective through 6 a.m. Saturday.
Specific areas mentioned include mountain ranges in southwestern Utah, the Tushars and areas near Cedar City.
According to the Utah Avalanche Center website, “Several days of strong south wind and heavy snowfall are causing large and dangerous avalanches that are running far downhill. Avoid being on or under any steep slope where avalanches run. Dangerous avalanche conditions are expected to last through the weekend.
The avalanche center also provided the following information:
- Stay off of and out from under slopes steeper than 30 degrees.
- Backcountry travelers should consult www.utahavalanchecenter.org or call 1-888-999-4019 for more detailed information.
- This Warning does not apply to ski areas where avalanche hazard reduction measures are performed.
The Utah Department of Transportation also reminds drivers to expect slippery road conditions in the impacted areas. If travel is a must, drivers should pack extra supplies, slow down and allow for extra travel time.
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