Tushar Report 12/29/2025
- Stephen Crimin
- Dec 29, 2025
- 4 min read
Quick Summary
Conditions are getting a little better, but the snowpack is still pretty thin. The last storm dropped about 5 inches of snow at higher elevation, and 1-2 inches at lower elevations. The snowpack is currently at about half of normal depth for this time of year, but there is a chance for more snow this week!
What Changed Since Last Report
~5 inches of new snow fell at higher elevations, with lighter amounts lower down
Snow coverage has improved slightly on north-facing terrain above 10,000’
Incoming storms may begin to stress weak early-season facets
Wind has increased at upper elevations, raising concern for shallow wind slabs
Conditions
Overall Conditions: Early season conditions.
Recent Snow: 5" at Big Flat, 2" at Merchant Valley, and 4" at Kimberly Mine Snotel sites.
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 quiet and mild start to the week will give way to a prolonged stretch of light snowfall beginning Wednesday night and continuing through the weekend. While no single storm looks particularly strong, several small waves could gradually add up, with total accumulations likely in the low single digits over multiple days. Temperatures will remain cold but seasonable, helping preserve snow on shaded aspects, while generally light to moderate winds may still be enough to form shallow wind slabs at upper elevations. Expect gradual snowpack building rather than a reset—early season conditions will persist, but coverage and continuity should slowly improve on north-facing terrain.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 18. Wind chill values as low as 9. East southeast wind 6 to 9 mph.
Tuesday
Sunny, with a high near 35. Wind chill values as low as 8. East southeast wind 5 to 9 mph becoming calm in the afternoon.
Tuesday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 22. Light and variable wind becoming southwest 5 to 9 mph in the evening.
Wednesday
Partly sunny, with a high near 35. West southwest wind 6 to 11 mph.
Wednesday Night
Snow, mainly after 11pm. Low around 25. South southwest wind 6 to 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.
New Year's Day
Snow. High near 27. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.
Thursday Night
Snow, mainly before 11pm. Low around 23. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.
Friday
A chance of snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 28.
Friday Night
A slight chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 22.
Saturday
A chance of snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 28.
Saturday Night
A chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 20.
Sunday
Snow likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 25.
Sunday Night
A chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 18.
Monday
A chance of snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 25.
(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: 16"
Merchant Valley SNOTEL: 4"
Kimberly Mine SNOTEL: 5"
Field Observations:
Coverage: Thin below 10,000'. Up to 16 inches on polar aspects above 10,000'
Surface: Shallow, unconsolidated snow with limited support.
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
You may be able to find some okay turns in the trees at higher elevations, but the snowpack is still thin. I would stick to the summer roads where the coverage is more consistent, or consider skiing at Eagle Point.
Final Thoughts
Conditions are improving slowly but surely. Hopefully these next few storms will improve coverage. Treat any outing as fitness tour than a ski mission.
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.
