Yes, I understood HIS reason, but I can't agree. I have my filter out in front of the radiator, and the day I installed it, I ran through an absolute downpour, one where I had to slow to 30 on a 4 lane with the wipers on high to see. This lasted about 30 minutes and when I drove out of it, I was concerned about the filter being wet, so I pulled over and popped the grille off - only the front 1/3 of the filter was wet, the rest bone dry.
So even though Utah may have unpredictable weather, I think the rain is the only concern, and then not that.