In traveling around Cardiff Pass this afternoon I found height of snow ranging from 70 cm at 9k on south aspects to 125 cm on North aspects just above 10k. Saw large depth hoar (3-4mm) on North aspects at 10k. (see picture below) Ski penetration is punchy and you can break through into old snow on shady aspects. East seams to be getting loaded. New snow was light as mentioned in the advisory this AM. A few quick tests on SW aspects around 10k failed on two different weak layers. ECTP17 Q2 (Resistant Planar) 10cm off ground on facets. Other results nearby, CT18 Q3 just below the storm snow, 40cm down. HS around 70 cm in this area on SW aspects. A few collapses with some cracking but not as much as expected. Picture is depth hoar on a North aspect at 10k.
Observation Date
12/15/2015
Observer Name
Tyler Falk
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » Cardiff Pass
Location Name or Route
Cardiff Pass
Comments
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable