Little Cottonwood Canyon Circuit
Wasatch, UT
Elevation Profile
Current Conditions
Bottom Line
No avalanche rating issued — bulletins typically resume when snowpack conditions become more complex in late fall/early winter. Current conditions show stable spring-like snowpack with 48 inches depth and good weather through Friday.
46°/30°F · Sunny
No Rating (0/5)
48" depth
Normal flows · 5 gauges
No active fires within 50 miles
11h 46m daylight · Sunrise 7:44 AM · Sunset 7:30 PM
Full Briefing
The Utah Avalanche Center hasn't issued a rating for this period, which is typical for late spring/early summer when avalanche hazard drops to minimal levels and daily bulletins are suspended. The generic guidance to watch for signs of instability and avoid similar slopes to any observed avalanche activity remains sound practice. Current snowpack data shows 48 inches at higher elevations with stable trends, suggesting consolidated spring conditions rather than active avalanche cycles.
Weather looks excellent for touring through Friday with sunny skies, moderate temperatures in the mid-40s, and light west winds 7-17 mph. These conditions favor continued snowpack settlement and stable travel conditions. Saturday brings a shift with increasing clouds and 44% chance of snow showers, dropping overnight temperatures to 21°F with stronger northwest winds around 14 mph.
Snowpack depth varies dramatically by elevation — Long Lake at 840 feet shows 98 inches (likely a data error or very high elevation equivalent), while Annie Springs at 6,021 feet has 35 inches with slightly declining depth indicating normal spring settlement. The 48-inch average suggests reasonable coverage for touring, though lower elevation approaches may be thin.
Plan your biggest objectives for Thursday and Friday during the stable weather window. If you're out Saturday, start early and be prepared for deteriorating conditions by afternoon as the snow moves in. The temperature drop Saturday night could create surface crusting by Sunday morning, potentially improving travel conditions on sun-exposed aspects.
Waypoints
Grizzly Gulch Trailhead
Start at the Grizzly Gulch parking area near Alta. Limited spots available.
8,599 ft
Twin Lakes Pass
Pass connecting Grizzly Gulch to Mineral Basin. Views of Heber Valley.
10,200 ft
Catherine's Pass
High point of the circuit with views into Big Cottonwood Canyon.
10,801 ft
Return via Alta
Ski back to the trailhead via the Grizzly Gulch drainage.
8,599 ft
Route Details
Distance
6.0 mi
Elevation Gain
3,199 ft
Elevation Loss
3,199 ft
Max Elevation
10,801 ft
Estimated Days
0.5
Trailhead
Grizzly Gulch Trailhead
Best Season
Peak powder from December through March. Spring touring through May.
About This Route
Little Cottonwood Canyon near Salt Lake City is a backcountry skiing mecca, offering some of the best snow on earth thanks to the Wasatch Range's legendary lake-effect powder. This circuit links several classic zones including Grizzly Gulch, Catherine's Pass, and the ridgeline above Alta ski resort. The route begins at the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon and traverses through terrain that ranges from gentle meadows to steep chutes. Intermediate tourers will find plenty of mellow options, while experts can drop into more committing lines off the main ridge. Proximity to Salt Lake City (30 minutes) makes this circuit accessible for day trips. The Utah Avalanche Center provides daily forecasts for this zone. Parking is limited and often requires a reservation during peak season.
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