Tushar Report
Updates, general information, and current conditions for Utah's Tushar Mountain range.
How To Use This Page
Welcome to the Tushar Report, a page designed to empower you with information to help you have a safe and enjoyable experience Alpine Touring in the Tushar Mountains. We have compiled a few resources as well as our observations and opinions that you might find useful when planning a trip to the Tushar's. The site is split into the categories: Updates and Announcements, Weather Forecast, Avalanche Resources, Snow Depth and Conditions, General Information, and Recent Photos. If you find the information provided on this site valuable, please consider a Donation.
Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is intended to assist you in planning your backcountry adventure in the Tushar Mountains. However, it's crucial to understand the limitations and responsibilities associated with this information: 1. Not a Substitute for Judgment: The data presented here, including avalanche danger ratings, snowpack observations, and weather forecasts, is not a substitute for personal judgment. Backcountry travel involves inherent risks, and your own observations and decision-making are paramount. 2. Dynamic Conditions: Conditions in the backcountry are dynamic and can change rapidly. The information provided may not capture real-time changes, and it is your responsibility to be aware of your surroundings and adapt to evolving conditions. 3. User Contributions: User-contributed observations are based on individual experiences and may not represent comprehensive conditions. Consider these as additional insights rather than definitive assessments. 4. External Resources: Links to external resources, such as the Utah Avalanche Center (UAC), Snotel sites, and weather forecasts, are provided for your convenience. These sources have their own terms of use and reliability standards. 5. No Guarantee of Accuracy: While efforts are made to keep the information accurate and up-to-date, there is no guarantee of the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the data presented. Verify critical information independently. 6. Assumption of Risk: Engaging in backcountry activities involves assuming risks. By using the information on this page, you acknowledge these risks and understand that outdoor activities carry inherent dangers that may result in injury or even death. 7. Consult Professionals: Consult with qualified professionals, including guides, avalanche forecasters, and weather experts, for comprehensive and personalized advice based on your specific circumstances. 8. Stay Informed: Regularly check for updates and monitor conditions through multiple sources. Be proactive in gathering information and stay informed about changes that may impact your trip. Remember, your safety should be the top priority. Make informed decisions, be prepared for changing conditions, and adventure responsibly.
Updates and Announcements
Weather Forecast
Below is a Windy.com widget. We like using Windy.com because there are different map layers such as: Temperature, Wind, New Snow, Precip type, and many more. Windy.com also allows you to choose between different weather models as well. To change the map layers select the text that says temperature in the upper right hand corner and change it to the desired map layer. The forecast is set for "Delano Peak," which is the highest point in the Tushar's. to change the location of the forecast, just simply left click on the desired location.
Click HERE for the NOAA hourly weather forecast graph
Avalanche Resources
Alpine Touring in the Tushar Mountains should be met with caution. It is necessary that you bring the correct gear, knowledge, and partners into the backcountry. it is critical that you are able to identify avalanche terrain, plan safe routes, read or conduct avalanche forecasts and observations, and conduct an efficient backcountry rescue.
Utah Avalanche Center
The Utah Avalanche Center provides the best and latest information regarding avalanches in the state of Utah. Currently there is no official forecast for the area, but the UAC has a page for the Utah Southwest that has recent observations and information about the area. Here are some important resources to help you plan your trip.
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Forecast Hotline (888) 999-4019
Snow Depth and Conditions
SNOTEL is an automated system of snowpack and related climate sensors operated by the Natural Resources Conservation Service of the United States Department of Agriculture in the Western United States. All SNOTEL sites measure snow water content, accumulated precipitation, and air temperature. Some sites also measure snow depth, soil moisture and temperature, wind speed, solar radiation, humidity, and atmospheric pressure.
SNOTEL Sites in the Tushar Mountains:
National Water and Climate Center Individual Site Interactive Charts
You can view charts for Snow Water Equivalent Charts, Precipitation Charts, AVG. Daily Temperature Charts, and Snow Depth Charts. To view these charts you will need to select the station you are wishing to view. Here in the Tushar Mountains there are 3 stations: Big Flat, Merchant Valley, and Kimberly Mine.
Another good resource is the Eagle Point Ski Resorts Snow and Lift Report. Here you can view current weather conditions, recent snowfall, base depth, total season snowfall, and a 5 day weather forecast from "OpenSnow." Since Eagle Point is a ski resort, the snow pack and conditions will be different than the backcountry, but can give you a general idea of conditions on the western side of the Tushar mountains below 11,000 feet.
here is a report from "On The Snow," for Eagle Point Ski Resort.
Road Conditions
General Information
Access into the Tushar Mountains is usually done by driving up SR - 153 from Beaver, Utah. There are different accesses points from the northern end of the mountains, and the eastern side, but they require MUCH more hiking, or snow machines to access the peaks. Popular trailheads to start your tour from are: Kents Lake Road, Merchant Valley, Three Creeks Reservoir, Puffer Lake, and Eagle Point Ski Resort.
If you are starting your tour from the Skyline Lodge at Eagle Point Ski Resort, please see their Backcountry page for information. Please do not park in the upper most parking lot at the Skyline Lodge as it is reserved for paying guests and employees, there are two other lots below that you are welcome to park in. Accessing the skyline backcountry gate should only be done from hiking up the run "Big Horn," toward the top of the "Monarch" triple chair, see the trail map HERE. From the top of the "Monarch" triple chair, head down towards the run "Teddy's Twist" you will see the Backcountry gate on your left. You may reenter the resort from the backcountry gate and ski down the run "Big Horn" back to the Skyline Lodge. After skiing "Lake Peak, and "Mt. Holly," it is common that you end up near the bottom of the "Monarch" triple chair, from here you are allowed to skin back up to the lodge via "Big Horn." Please be courteous of downhill skiers, as "Big Horn" is one of the most popular runs in the ski resort. Please follow all posted rules and be a good steward for the Alpine Touring community. Also, please note that the Eagle Point Ski Resort is entirely on PRIVATE land. This means you are not allowed to ski or hike any of the runs other than "Big Horn," people have been charged with criminal trespass for skinning, and skiing runs when the resort is closed. DON'T BE THE PERSON THAT CAUSES ACCESS ISSUES!!!
If you are starting your tour from "Puffer Lake," please not that the land surrounding puffer lake is entirely PRIVATE. Please respect the "No Trespassing" signs and stay on designated Forest Service roads.
If you are unsure of where to start your tour, or if it is your first time skiing in the Tushar Mountains, consider hiring a guide. You can view Utah Vivid Adventures current guided Alpine Touring options HERE.
Lodging Info
Lodging can be found at Alpine Mountain Escape which is the premier lodging at Eagle Point's Aspen Crest development. Alpine Mountain Escape features three options: Twin Peaks A, Twin Peaks B, and Nordic Pines A. The Twin Peaks units can sleep up to 14 people, while the Nordic Pines unit can sleep 5! The Twin Peaks units have features such as garage parking, spacious balconies, and hot tub!
Other options for lodging include Eagle Point Resort, hotels in Beaver, and there are also many airbnb and vrbo options around Eagle Point and Beaver.
Tushar Mountain Tours has two yurts, one near Puffer Lake, and one near Big John Flat -- info can be found HERE.
Camping is available year round at lot #3 at Eagle Point Resort for $20 per car/tent per night -- info HERE. Camping is also possible on forest service land in the canyon, but you might need to dig out a parking spot.
Recent Photos
