Warm and dry weather in the forecast to close out October

A view toward Deer Valley from the top of Round Valley on October 20, 2024. Snow from the last winter storm an still be seen on higher peaks. Photo: Marina Knight // TownLift

Precipitation could return over Halloween, when forecasters see the next likely shift in weather patterns

PARK CITY, Utah – The National Weather Service is predicting a warm and dry close to the month of October as their models show a high pressure pattern dominating Utah.

Some signs show this pattern will shift in November as local ski resorts wait for favorable temperatures to make snow ahead of anticipated opening dates.

NOAA maps show the probability of precipitation between Oct. 25-29 will be between 40 and 50 percent lower than normal, and close to a 60 percent chance that temperatures will be above normal for the same time period.

The recent storm, which generally underperformed as far as snow totals go (some weather forecasters called for up to two feet at higher elevations) did leave some snow that still coats the high ridge lines. Over the nest week or so most of that snow will likely melt on all aspects but the north-facing slopes above 8,000 ft. For those concerned with how that layer might affect snow stability as future storms come to Utah, the best-case scenario is that we see it melt so it does not create a weak layer of rotted snow on the ground.

Open Snow reports they are seeing some signs of storms returning before the end of the month. Weather ensembles, show a good chance pf precipitation between Oct. 29 – November 1, which could make for a chilly and wet or even snowy Halloween.