Obs-Snow Profile: Cardiac Ridge 3/2/2011

Observer Name:

Quino Gonzalez

Observation Date:

03/02/2011

Region:

Salt Lake
Big Cottonwood Canyon
Cardiff Fork
Cardiac Ridge

Location or Route:

Cardiac Bowl/BCC

Weather

Sky:

Overcast

Precipitation:

Light Snowfall

Wind Direction:

Southwest

Wind Speed:

Moderate

Weather Comments:

Temp. at 1200 was 27 F (10300 ft), with a moderate wind from the SW and light snowfall.

Snow Characteristics

New Snow Depth:

10"

New Snow Density:

Medium

Snow Surface Conditions:

Wind Crust

Snow Characteristic Comments:

There is a wind/sun crust on most aspects that are not protected by trees. The NE face of Cardiac Ridge was crusted as well but it was possible to find some unaffected snow and decent turns. Before 1200 snow was being transported by a moderate wind; then it started to snow. It stopped snowing around 1400.

Red Flags

Wind Loading

Red Flag Comments:

There is more significant wind loading on the very top of the ridge but is quite stubborn.

Primary Concern

Primary Concern:

Wind Slabs

Probability:

Moderate

Aspect:

North

Northeast

East

Elevation:

High

Trend:

Less Dangerous

Secondary Concern

Secondary Concern:

Deep Slabs

Probability:

Low

Aspect:

North

Northeast

East

Southeast

Elevation:

High

Mid

Trend:

Same

Secondary Concern Comments:

Some graupel 115 cms under the surface, well above the old rain crust, that may represent a problem in shallower areas, for instance, close to the rock bands as you ascend to the ridge.

Elevation:

10300'

Aspect:

Northeast

Slope Angle:

snow_profile_location:

Observed Danger Rating:

Moderate

Forecast Danger Rating:

Moderate