Observation Date
3/6/2026
Observer Name
Pagnucco
Region
Logan » Franklin Basin » Hells Kitchen » Steam Mill Peak
Location Name or Route
Steam MIll Peak area
Weather
Sky
Scattered
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Day started out cloudy but quickly cleared to pc skies with moderate NW winds. Temps at 8500' reached mid 20sF.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
16"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
Finally, some good, light, cold Utah powder! Depth is very elevation-dependent. Just a few inches below about 7000'. 10-12" up to about 8500'. Above that, 18-24". Right side up. Excellent riding and skiing conditions. High March sun angle affected solar slopes - will be crusted over tomorrow morning. It just felt great to have a classic Utah powder day after such an abnormally dry and warm winter season.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Red Flags Comments
Wind loading was the only red flag we observed today. Incessant NW winds moving snow all day at ridges and across mid-slopes.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
The weak sugary snow that developed during our January dry spell is now buried 4-5' deep.
Comments
There's an obvious delineation between the old surface (Tuesday warmth) and the new snow. The layer is a friable crust with graupel. It was not reactive to an ECT,
but the slab atop was very cohesive and pulled away with a shovel very easily when isolated. I wouldn't trust this setup on a steep, wind-loaded slope. It could have been that the slope had already collapsed, as snowmobilers had trashed the designated non-motorized area above.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
