Avalanche watch issued for much of Utah as heavy snow expected
Feb 16, 2026, 11:34 AM
Snow within the Red Pine Lake drainage area of Little Cottonwood Canyon is pictured on Monday. The Utah Avalanche Center said a human-triggered avalanche occurred in the area despite the region's low snowfall so far this season, highlighting risks. (Utah Avalanche Center)
(Utah Avalanche Center)
SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Avalanche Center issued an avalanche watch on Monday morning, as heavy snow is expected across much of Utah in the coming days.
The warning was issued for the Wasatch Mountains, Bear River Mountains, the western Uintahs, the Wasatch Plateau and the Tushar Mountains. The Avalanche Center said “heavy snowfall and strong winds are expected to rapidly increase avalanche danger.”
The avalanche danger is expected to spike on Tuesday and continue through the week, the UAC said.
⚠️The Utah Avalanche Center has issued an Avalanche Watch for rapidly increasing avalanche danger through the week as these storm systems move through. Backcountry travelers should consult https://t.co/r1Xq1EX1tH for more detailed information. #utwx pic.twitter.com/9chjDUNdsa
— NWS Salt Lake City (@NWSSaltLakeCity) February 16, 2026
The UAC said both natural and human-triggered avalanches would be likely on avalanche terrain, and they could be large.
“Avalanches can be triggered on slopes steeper than 30 degrees. They may also be triggered remotely (from a distance) or from below,” the UAC said on its website.
The avalanche forecasters urged people to avoid traveling on or under that terrain in the backcountry anywhere at mid to high elevations. It also said to carry, and know how to use, avalanche rescue equipment.
The Utah Avalanche Center has not reported any avalanche deaths this winter. In the 2024-25 season, Utah had five known deaths, ranging from Dec. 28 to March 7.
