Observation: Cardiac Ridge

Observation Date
3/5/2013
Observer Name
Hardesty and Wilson
Region
Salt Lake
Location Name or Route
Ridge to the Bowl and back to Alta
Weather
Sky
Few
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Drifting noted along the highest ridgelines and peaks.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
8"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments

Fast skiing on graupel, etc

Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Red Flags Comments
Wind slabs the main concern for today.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Problem #1 Comments

Shallow wind slabs noted by increasing southwesterly winds. Photos below redundant to previous Superior observation/avalanche

See runout below - terrain choices are key when avalanches are possible. It's all about setting yourself up for success in the event your snow evaluation is wrong. Getting caught and carried here (as with yesterday's wind slab off the ridge) does so - you don't end up in a steep gulley, over a cliffband, into a crevasse, raked through trees, etc. Note how the debris spreads out so the chances of full burial are slim.