SPC MD 182

[NorthGeorgiaWX]

MD 0182 CONCERNING SNOW SQUALL FOR SOUTHEAST IDAHO INTO FAR NORTHERN UTAH AND WESTERN WYOMING

Mesoscale Discussion 0182
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
1126 AM CST Sat Mar 02 2024

Areas affected...Southeast Idaho into far northern Utah and western
Wyoming

Concerning...Snow Squall 

Valid 021726Z - 022130Z

SUMMARY...A snow squall moving across southeast Idaho into western
Wyoming and far northern Utah will bring periods of moderate to
heavy snowfall rates and potentially near-blizzard conditions.

DISCUSSION...Over the past 1-2 hours, a somewhat organized shallow
convective band has developed along an eastward-pushing cold front
across southeast ID into northwest UT. Although temperatures are
currently hovering near or just above freezing over the region,
surface observations have reported visibility reductions down to 1/4
mile with the passage of the front, likely due to a combination of
moderate to heavy snowfall rates as well as 35-45 mph wind gusts.
Multiple lightning flashes have also been observed with the past 30
minutes associated with a few of the deeper convective cores. 

The downstream environment appears supportive for maintenance, if
not enhancement, of the convective band with SBCAPE values around
250 J/kg noted in recent mesoanalyses with further destabilization
up to around 500 J/kg possible by mid-afternoon across
west/southwest WY. Furthermore, low-level lapse rates on the order
of 8-9 C/km are noted across northern UT to central WY based on
modified observed soundings and mesoanalysis fields. Dynamically,
strong ascent within the left-exit region of the approach mid-level
jet should continue to promote broadscale ascent favorable for
further deepening of the attendant surface low, which should foster
a strong frontal surge through the afternoon. The result will be a
continuation of moderate to heavy snowfall rates and periods of
near-blizzard conditions along and behind the snow squall/cold front
for the next several hours.

..Moore.. 03/02/2024

...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov for graphic product...

ATTN...WFO...RIW...TFX...SLC...PIH...

LAT...LON   41831313 42431264 42911236 43561209 44261207 44521200
            44721158 44731064 44661006 44480931 44100909 43620896
            42910912 42370930 41840983 41571051 41551128 41601298
            41831313 

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