Observation Date
3/12/2026
Observer Name
Kelly, Shade
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Mill B South
Location Name or Route
Big Cottonwood Canyon>Mill B South
Weather
Sky
Scattered
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Strong
Weather Comments
Winds were blowing strong on the ridgetops from the west and northwest. There was flagging along the highest ridgelines with some wind loading on southeast facing slopes below the ridgeline. Air temperatures were above freezing, but the wind kept the snow surface cooler in all but the most protected areas.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Wind Crust
Melt-Freeze Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
Snow surface was mostly wind affected or melt-freeze crust in the morning. South and west aspects out of the wind zone were taking some heat by early afternoon. There were some soft turns on protected north slopes. We observed wet loose and shallow wet avalanches on east-south-west facing slopes all the way up to 10,000'. Photos showing wet snow on west facing slopes in MIll B South.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Problem #1 Comments
Strong west winds were drifting snow on the ridgetops
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Gliding Snow
Problem #2 Comments
Photo of glides opening up in Broads Fork (above) and Mill B South (below)
Comments
Strong winds were blowing at the ridgetops and keeping the wet snow from causing a problem today. Lower elevation south-west facing slopes below 9,500' were taking heat and in unskied terrain we were able to push surface snow on steep solar slopes, but this was more the exception rather than the rule. Travel today was on all aspects and elevations ranging from 6,300'-11,000' and we found an overall Low danger where we traveled.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Coordinates
