Warming temps in Utah come with risk of flooding, avalanche

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Utah is warming after days of cold and snow, but officials are keeping a wary eye out for flooding as ski resorts deal with high winds and an avalanche risk that includes steep roofs as well as mountain slopes.
The National Weather Service said Monday that the temperature swings crank up avalanche danger as snow melts and refreezes, and the weather roller-coaster is expected to continue with snow predicted for the evening commute hours.
Powder Mountain near Ogden closed and other ski resorts delayed lift openings. Schools were canceled in far northwest Box Elder County following a snow-and-freezing-rain advisory for rural areas.
A flood warning that covers Southern Utah’s Zion National Park closed the popular narrow slot canyons, which are prone to flash flooding from rain and snowmelt.