Something for Everyone

Even the Avenues got some last night

Last night was fascinating meteorologically, with mother nature throwing everything at us but the kitchen sink, Alta-Collins picking up about 10 inches, and the Oquirrhs once again winning the lake-effect lottery with the Dry Fork Snotel measuring 7 inches of snow with a whopping 1.2 inches of water.  I suspect much of that snow was graupel, which explains the high water content (~17%).  Radar suggests accumulations may have been greater in the western Oquirrhs (see 2nd radar loop below). 

As is often the case in cold northwesterly flow, we weren't just dealing with lake effect, but a variety of phenomenon including a large-scale precipitation band that rumbled through the state, some post-frontal convection, and some bonafide lake bands.  The loop below is hourly and a little jumpy, but it does a pretty good job of summarizing the many different types of precipitation features that brought snow to the area.  

For the lake-effect aficionados, a very nice lake band developed over the southeast corner of the lake and pounded the Oquirrhs.  I suspect there was some lightning produced by some of the stronger cells.

For now, our brief flirtation with winter is over.   A high amplitude ridge will be building over the state in the wake of this storm, bringing gorgeous fall weather for the weekend and early next week.  Enjoy!