ZCZC SPCSWOMCD ALL
ACUS11 KWNS 021726 
SPC MCD 021726 
WYZ000-MTZ000-IDZ000-UTZ000-022130-

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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