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Observation: Cardiff Fork

Observation Date
4/28/2018
Observer Name
Caleb
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Cardiff Fork
Location Name or Route
cardiff pass
Weather
Sky
Few
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Warm overnight temps. Already 59 degrees at Alta Guard parking area at 9:45 am. Light SW winds progressed to moderate with strong gusts at the ridge line elevation of 10,050 where temps cooled to 47F.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
Damp, sloppy, dirty snow. Boot pen trended from 20cm at the bottom to 10cm on the ridge. Lots of tracks left in the snow from riders over the past few days and coupled with roller ball and other wet loose activity, there was not much smooth snow left in the drainage.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Rapid Warming
Red Flags Comments
Late start did not allow for early morning observation of melt freeze crust. Warm overnight temps and rapidly rising temperatures in the mid morning led to very wet snow right out of the parking lot. Observed R1 D1 wet loose avalanche on mid elevation wast facing slope. Looking across the drainage from N side of Cardiac Pass, observed the debris of an E face Glide avalanche that cut loose and traveled roughly 175' from a 9950' ridge line. Smooth, granite slab, bed surface evident. While descending mid elevation S slope, ski partner triggered 2'x3' pinwheel.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wet Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Increasing danger until the "freeze" portion of the melt freeze cycle returns.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Gliding Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
As indicated above, a glide avalanche recently occurred on an East facing slope. Extra caution needed to avoid any suspect ground bed surfaces that may be experiencing excessive lubrication.
South face Cardiff Pass
East facing glide avalanche
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low