Avalanche Warning Issued as Heavy Snow Hits Utah Backcountry

Forecasters urge caution as unstable snow conditions raise risk of dangerous avalanches.

Feb. 23, 2026 at 1:15pm

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Avalanche forecasters and law enforcement in Utah are warning of high avalanche danger in the backcountry following heavy snowfall. An avalanche warning has been issued, and the risk of avalanches is expected to remain elevated throughout the week. Authorities are advising backcountry users to take extra precautions, including avoiding steep slopes, traveling with a partner, and carrying proper safety gear.

Why it matters

Avalanches pose a serious threat to backcountry enthusiasts in Utah, where heavy snowfall and unstable snow conditions can lead to potentially deadly situations. This warning highlights the importance of being prepared and exercising caution when venturing into the backcountry, especially after significant snowfall events.

The details

According to Craig Gordon, a forecaster with the Utah Avalanche Center, the recent snowfall has created weak, sugary layers in the snowpack that are now being overloaded, increasing the risk of large, destructive avalanches. Gordon warned that any avalanche triggered now would likely be "deep, wide, and potentially unsurvivable." The Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office has issued recommendations for backcountry users, including traveling with a partner, sharing route information, and carrying essential safety gear like beacons, shovels, and probes.

  • The avalanche warning was issued on Wednesday, February 19, 2026.
  • The danger is expected to remain elevated throughout the week.

The players

Craig Gordon

A forecaster with the Utah Avalanche Center who is warning of the high avalanche danger in the backcountry.

Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency that has issued recommendations for backcountry users to stay safe during the high avalanche risk period.

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What they’re saying

“Statewide, we have high avalanche danger, many areas, an avalanche warning in effect, which means that both human-triggered and natural avalanches are likely. Any avalanche that's triggered right now is going to break deep. It's going to break wide. It could potentially be unsurvivable.”

— Craig Gordon, Forecaster, Utah Avalanche Center

“We want everyone to know that this is the real deal. Avalanche conditions have dramatically changed overnight into today, and there's a series of storms headed our way. So this isn't just a one-and-done.”

— Craig Gordon, Forecaster, Utah Avalanche Center

What’s next

The Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office has advised backcountry users to take extra precautions, including avoiding steep slopes, traveling with a partner, and carrying proper safety gear. The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) also reported that there will be avalanche mitigation work in Little Cottonwood Canyon overnight, with the road closing at 12:30 a.m. Thursday and expected to reopen at 8:30 a.m.

The takeaway

This avalanche warning highlights the importance of being prepared and exercising caution when venturing into the backcountry, especially after significant snowfall events. Heeding the advice of avalanche forecasters and local authorities can help ensure the safety of backcountry enthusiasts and prevent tragic incidents.