Observation: Cardiff Pass

Observation Date
2/7/2018
Observer Name
CBrown
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » Cardiff Pass
Location Name or Route
Upper LCC South Faces
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
North
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Moderate NNW winds observed on the E ridge of superior. Did not observe very much snow transport with the light to moderate winds though. Sun was strong and warm early. Not early winter anymore, the sun angle is getting higher as we are about halfway between the solstice and equinox.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
4"
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Wind Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments

Now was pleasant on the south this morning before 10am. Still cold but could feel a few spots it was already picking up heat in the morning. Not as much wind effect as anticipated. Felt some slabby wind affected snow on the way up to pole line pass, but on the south face of Black Top/Little superior less so with still very soft isolated pockets of wind slab, unreactive.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Rapid Warming
Red Flags Comments
Didn't look at the norths today, but the souths were picking up heat quick. Temps rose quickly and the sun was strong in hte morning hours. Observed one small wind slab trickle avalanche, probably initiated by people traveling up superior this morning, maybe natural.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments

Although didn't observe any very deep stiffer wind slabs, I was seeing some SS wind slabs, fairly shallow and for the most part unreactive, I would suspect in some places and/or a little higher may have been a different story given the wind data and the observed winds.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments

Although not observed today, I am almost certain the structure remains. May be appearing dormant as of late, but low probability high consequence problems are major problems to me. These small storms may not be activating the PWL but as the snow slowly adds up and the winds blow the scales could be tipped any just waiting for a skier to trigger. Read attached article below to better understand this problem and how long after "loading event" persistent slab avalanches can be triggered.

Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate