Tushar Report 01/05/2026

Quick Summary

Snowpack conditions in the Tushar Mountains continue to trend in the right direction, with approximately 11 inches of new snow over the past week bringing improved coverage at higher elevations. North-facing terrain above 10,000 feet is holding the best snow, while lower elevations and solar aspects remain thin and discontinuous. West winds have redistributed new snow and created pockets of wind loading on leeward aspects.

SNOTEL sites reflect this gradual improvement, with Big Flat now reporting 25 inches, Kimberly Mine 11 inches, and Merchant Valley 5 inches. Field observations show fresh snow on the surface, but underlying weak, faceted early-season snow remains a concern, particularly on shaded aspects. Additional snowfall is possible this week and could significantly improve coverage and continuity if it materializes.

Despite improving coverage, early season conditions persist, with weak, faceted snow underlying recent storms remaining the

What Changed Since Last Report

Approximately 11 inches of new snow has fallen over the past week, leading to noticeable improvements in overall coverage, particularly at higher elevations. West winds, with gusts reaching 39 mph, have redistributed new snow and contributed to developing wind slabs on leeward aspects.

Conditions

Overall Conditions: Early season conditions.

 Recent Snow: ~11 inches at higher elevations.

Best Elevations: North facing slopes above 10,000'.

Avalanche Danger: Unknown → Increasing (with incoming snow and wind).

Primary Concern: Early season facets on polar aspects, new snow, wind loading.

Weather Forecast

Takeaway

A brief round of snowfall this afternoon may add a meaningful amount of new snow, especially at higher elevations, with localized totals potentially reaching several inches before tapering off. Conditions turn colder and generally drier Tuesday, allowing snow to settle and preserve on shaded aspects. Another weaker system arrives mid-week, bringing light snowfall Wednesday night into Thursday, followed by a sharp drop in temperatures and clearing conditions heading into the weekend. Overall, expect incremental snowpack gains rather than a major reset, with cold temperatures helping maintain surface quality on north-facing terrain while winds may continue to redistribute new snow at upper elevations.

This Afternoon

A 30 percent chance of snow, mainly before 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 20. Wind chill values as low as 2. West southwest wind 14 to 17 mph. Total daytime snow accumulation of 3 to 7 inches possible.

Tonight

Partly cloudy, with a low around 12. Wind chill values as low as -2. West southwest wind 11 to 14 mph.

Tuesday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 23. Wind chill values as low as -2. West southwest wind 9 to 14 mph.

Tuesday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 14. Wind chill values as low as -1. Southwest wind 8 to 16 mph.

Wednesday

A 20 percent chance of snow after 11am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 22. Southwest wind 11 to 16 mph.

Wednesday Night

A 50 percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 13. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Thursday

Snow likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 15. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

Thursday Night

A slight chance of snow before 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 2.

Friday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 13.

Friday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 4.

Saturday

Sunny, with a high near 19.

Saturday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 9.

Sunday

Sunny, with a high near 27.

(Forecast source: NOAA / NWS Delano Peak Area)

Snowpack & SNOTEL

SNOTEL sites reflect very thin coverage at mid and lower elevations; higher north aspects hold slightly more snow.

Big Flat SNOTEL: 25 Inches

Merchant Valley SNOTEL: 5 Inches

Kimberly Mine SNOTEL: 11 Inches

Field Observations:

• Coverage: Thin below 10,000'. Up to 25 inches on polar aspects above 10,000'

• Surface: New snow

• Hazards: Early season conditions, poorly bonded faceted snow underlying new snow, and developing wind slabs.

Recent Avalanche Observations

UAC Region: Southwest Utah

Observations Link: https://utahavalanchecenter.org/observations?rid=All&term=1475&fodv%5Bmin%5D%5Bdate%5D=&fodv%5Bmax%5D%5Bdate%5D=

Recent Observations:

• No recent observations. Submit one here: https://utahavalanchecenter.org/observations-avalanches/submit

  
  

Safety Notes:

• Carry beacon, shovel, probe.

• Watch for wind slabs & cornices.

• Expect thin coverage and hidden rocks.

Touring Recommendations

Some decent skiing may be found in the Lake Peak Trees, Hogs back above the Monarch backcountry gate and possibly the Lake Peak Face. Watch for downed trees and exposed rocks. Mount Holly, the White Whale, and Delano peaks have been getting a lot of wind, so expect very little snow on top of the peaks and wind loading on the east and north east aspects.

Final Thoughts

Conditions are improving, but the snowpack remains thin. Be cautious as you venture out into the Tushar Backcountry. Avoid terrain traps, and wind loaded areas. I will post updates as things change!

If you find this information useful and you want to keep it coming, please consider donating by using the donation form at the bottom of the https://www.utahvivid.com/tushar-report page. Thanks for reading, and let me know at info@utahvivid.com if you have any suggestions for upcoming posts. I will post some pics, observations, and condition updates as things change!

*Disclaimer

Please remember, I am not a professional avalanche forecaster. The information shared in the Tushar Report reflects general observations, publicly available data, and personal opinions at the time of writing. Mountain weather, snowpack, and avalanche conditions can change rapidly and vary significantly across terrain, elevation, and aspect. All readers are responsible for assessing conditions in the field and making their own travel decisions. This report is not an avalanche forecast or safety guarantee and should not be used as a substitute for formal avalanche education, professional forecasts, or individual decision-making.