Observation: Steam Mill Peak

Observation Date
1/16/2026
Observer Name
pagnucco/weed
Region
Logan » Franklin Basin » Hells Kitchen » Steam Mill Peak
Location Name or Route
Steam Mill East Ridge
Weather
Sky
Few
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Mod NW winds on exposed slopes and ridges. Did not observe snow moving.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Characteristics Comments

Snow surface is a mixed bag. We found some great surface hoar in sheltered meadows and gullies and NSF on polars at all elevations. MF crust on solars. Off the top of the peak, the winds have done some real damage for a few hundred vertical feet. Wind buff and breakable wind crust except in the most protected areas.

We are using this period of high pressure to track the weakening snow surface, as that is where avalanches are likely to fail when we get our next load.

Red Flags
Red Flags Comments
We observed no red flags in our travels today.
Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
7,900'
Slope Angle
12°
Comments

We traveled over several different types of weak surface snow, including small-grained near-surface facets and very weak sun and radiation recrystallization crusts.

photos:

1. Sun/RR crust 2. Big surface hoar in a sheltered gully 3. Loud powder - SH/NSF 4. Profile from about 8900' N-facing 5. Profile from about 7900' N-facing

Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low
Snow Pilot URL