TUSHAR REPORT 02/17/2026

Quick Summary

A winter storm is moving into the Tushars today bringing light new snow, colder temperatures, and strong winds. Snowpack remains shallow and variable across the range, with early season weak layers lingering on polar aspects. New snow combined with heavy wind loading will likely increase avalanche potential, especially on north-facing terrain.

What’s Changed Since Last Report (01/05/2026)

Since early January:

• Snowpack has slowly built but remains modest for mid-February.

• Cold temperatures have preserved weak, faceted snow on shaded slopes.

• A new storm system is adding fresh load to an already suspect structure.

• Winds are increasing and will rapidly redistribute snow.

The structure hasn’t necessarily improved — it’s just getting buried.

24-Hour Snowfall Totals

• Eagle Point Resort: ~2”

• Big Flat SNOTEL: ~1”

• Kimberly Mine SNOTEL: ~0.5”

• Merchant Valley SNOTEL: ~0.4”

Amounts so far are modest, but wind transport will make totals feel very different from what the stake says.

Current Conditions (02/17/2026 SNOTEL)

Big Flat (10,070')

• WTEQ: 7.0”

• Snow Depth: 32”

• Seasonal Precip: 9.2”

• Temp: 15.4°F

This remains the deepest zone in the range, though still thin for mid-season.

Kimberly Mine

• WTEQ: 5.5”

• Snow Depth: 19”

• Seasonal Precip: 10”

• Temp: 24.4°F

Coverage improving, but alpine terrain remains rocky and variable.

Merchant Valley

• WTEQ: 1.8”

• Snow Depth: 15”

• Seasonal Precip: 8.0”

• Temp: 26.2°F

Lower elevations remain shallow and patchy.

Weather Outlook – February 18

Snow showers continue today with cold temperatures and strong ridgeline winds. While snowfall totals may not be impressive on paper, wind will be the dominant factor.

Expect:

• Significant snow transport

• Rapid loading on leeward terrain

• Scoured and wind-hammered windward slopes

• Variable visibility in exposed terrain

Snowpack Discussion

The primary concern remains early season faceted snow on polar aspects (NW–N–NE).

These weak layers formed during prolonged cold, dry periods and have not fully bonded. While snow depth has increased, structure remains questionable in thinner areas.

With new snow and heavy winds:

• Leeward polar slopes will build fresh wind slabs

• Slabs may rest on weak faceted snow

• Human-triggered avalanches become more likely as loading continues

• Remote triggers are possible in thinner zones

Meanwhile:

• Windward slopes will likely be scoured or stripped

• Exposed ridges may be firm, icy, or down to old snow

Depth does not equal strength right now.

Avalanche Observations – Southwest Utah

No recent avalanche observations have been posted in the Tushars.

That does not necessarily indicate stability.

The combination of:

• Thin overall snowpack

• Preserved weak layers on shaded terrain

• New storm snow

• Strong wind loading

… suggests increasing avalanche potential at mid and upper elevations.

Travel Advice

If you’re heading out:

• Avoid steep (>30°) polar aspects during and immediately after the storm

• Watch for cracking, collapsing, or wind-drifted snow

• Expect highly variable conditions within short distances

• Carry rescue gear and travel one at a time in suspect terrain

There will still be good riding — just choose terrain wisely.

Final Thoughts

This storm helps coverage, but it also stresses a fragile structure. The Tushars still have that thin, early-season feel underneath — especially on shaded slopes.

Expect:

• Wind-loaded north bowls

• Scoured ridgelines

• Dramatic variability

Winter is building — but stability may lag behind accumulation.

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.