Observer Name
Shannon
Observation Date
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Avalanche Date
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Honeycomb
Location Name or Route
Honeycomb Cliffs
Elevation
10,400'
Aspect
Northeast
Trigger
Skier
Trigger: additional info
Remotely Triggered
Avalanche Type
Soft Slab
Avalanche Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Weak Layer
Facets
Depth
8"
Width
30'
Comments
Group of 5 with intention to ski the Michigan City/SW-facing zone. We skinned up to Twin Lakes pass and had a pleasant run-in with UAC members Hardesty and Pagnucco. We then gained the ridge via Black Bess up to the Solitude ski area boundary. With winds predominantly out of the SSW, the NE side of the ridge was noticeably wind-loaded. While skinning along the ridge to reach the desired drop in point, a member of the group remotely triggered an avalanche off into the NE side of the ridge. The party member observed a sudden shooting crack followed by an avalanche failing on what was likely the old/new snow interface. We immediately called Solitude Ski patrol, who thanked us for calling it in, and gently reminded us to give wind-loaded ridgelines a wide berth when possible. I will be staying away from steep, wind loaded (all upper elevation + N/NE/E facing) terrain and taking caution around isolated features on all slopes as the storm moves through. It was a good day to shift away from the “open season mindset” and a reminder that wind always wins when it comes to snow transport.
Coordinates
