Fall officially arrived in Utah’s Salt Lake Valley, but Thursday morning brought a surprise taste of winter—with snow reaching nearly to the mouths of Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons.

“Did I expect it to come all the way to the mouth? No,” said Shawn Wright, station supervisor for the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) Cottonwood Station. “I figured just like the last storms, they kind of have just stayed on top.”

Wright, who has spent three decades working in the canyons, said even he was surprised by the early snowfall.

“We had about zero to five inches; the snow level dropped down to almost the mouth of the canyon, which was really surprising,” he said.

UDOT Reminds Drivers to Prepare Early

With more winter storms on the horizon, Wright and UDOT officials are urging Utah drivers to prepare their vehicles now — before the snow becomes more consistent.

“Make sure you’re keeping a full tank of fuel, got good tires, and take it slow in winter conditions,” Wright advised.

The Utah Department of Transportation recommends all drivers check their tires, wipers, and emergency kits before heading into mountain areas, where weather can change quickly.

Tire Shops Already Seeing a Surge

At Les Schwab Tire Center, the early storm has already brought in customers eager to get their cars ready for snow. Store manager Steve Boekholder said the best time to check your vehicle is before the first big storm hits.

“Air pressure and tread depth — those are the most important things with tires when the weather gets cold and snowy,” Boekholder said.

He added that worn or underinflated tires significantly reduce traction and stopping power on slick canyon roads.

UDOT’s Canyon Tire Sticker Program Returns for 7th Season

This year marks the seventh season of UDOT’s Cottonwood Canyons Tire Sticker Program, which helps ensure vehicles traveling into Big and Little Cottonwood canyons meet traction requirements.

Vehicles that pass inspection for adequate tires or traction devices receive a “Cottonwood Canyons Approved” sticker, allowing them to bypass tire checks at the canyon entrances when restrictions are in effect.

“The kickoff date is November 13, and it’s a great thing to get,” Wright said. “It means you can get your vehicle inspected and make sure you’ve got the proper equipment on to travel in the canyons or any other mountain roads.”

The sticker program, first launched in 2019, has grown dramatically. During its inaugural year, UDOT issued 812 stickers. Last winter, the number jumped to more than 16,000, reflecting stronger participation and increased enforcement of traction laws by surrounding cities.

“It just helps you get to your destination and have a better experience getting into the canyons,” Wright said.

What Drivers Should Do Now

As Utah transitions from fall to winter, UDOT recommends drivers:

• Check tire tread depth and air pressure.
• Carry chains or snow-rated tires when driving canyons.
• Keep at least half a tank of gas at all times.
• Allow extra travel time during snow events.
• Watch UDOT’s Cottonwood Canyons social media updates and traffic cameras before heading up.

With another storm system forecast to bring more mountain snow in the coming weeks, Wright said it’s best for Utahns to be ready early.

“We know it’s coming,” he said. “Being prepared now just makes it easier when winter really hits.”