Observation: Salt Lake

Observation Date

2/17/2026

Observer Name

Region

Salt Lake

Location Name or Route

Brighton Perimeter

Weather

Sky

Overcast

Precipitation

Light Snowfall

Wind Direction

Southwest

Wind Speed

Moderate

Weather Comments

Sporadic periods of S2 to S3, with a daytime average of S1. Daytime accumlations 15cm, HST at 1700 25cm. Winds were Strong gusting Extreme through the early morning hours at 8000' in a typically calm area. Winds appeared to taper off and were Moderate with Moderate gusts in the pm. Wind Blown was Intense at times with the Gusts. Temperatures were normal for an actual winter day.

Snow Characteristics

New Snow Depth

11"

New Snow Density

Medium

Snow Surface Conditions

Powder

Wind Crust

Snow Characteristics Comments

Isolated areas wind scour, but for the majority of the terrain traveled the initial 15cm coating of Graupel that fell overnight and into the early morning hours appeared to clean up and level out the pre-storm variable snow surfaces. New snow trended to be right side up and riding was excellent. This may the the last time for a while steep terrain may be ridden without concerns regarding the PWL. Did not ride any South facing terrain, but all other aspects were very soft, friendly and excellent.

Red Flags

Cracking

Collapsing

Poor Snowpack Structure

Red Flags Comments

No recent avalanches observed, yet visibility of upper alpine terrain was not possible due to low cloud cover and precip. Stubborn to Isolated pockets of Wind Slab were Likely in the Upper elevation loaded terrain features. Encountered one very small pocket of collapsing and cracking, breaking down to the buried facet layer on avery steep rocky test slope. See photo.

Avalanche Problem #1

Problem

New Snow

Trend

Increasing Danger

Problem #1 Comments

The only avalanche problem observed was manageable Dry Loose and it was reactive on steep terrain. Graupel Runnels were observed in steep cliff areas, with a potential for Graupel Pooling.

Avalanche Problem #2

Problem

Persistent Weak Layer

Trend

Increasing Danger

Problem #2 Comments

Obvious

Today's Observed Danger Rating

Moderate

Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating

Considerable

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