Observation Date
11/30/2018
Observer Name
Cody Hughes
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » Toledo Bowl
Location Name or Route
Toledo S. Facing / Cardiff Fork
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Wind Direction
South
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Mostly obscure clouds throughout the day in upper LCC. Small periods with okay visibility but for the most part socked in. As the afternoon progressed and about 1:30 the snow and wind began to pick up and continued for about an hour our so snowing and blowing very hard. It lightened up for a small period then would come back in. Strong winds out of the south and dense snow falling.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
12"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
Powder snow on all aspects.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Collapsing
Red Flags Comments
Triggered an avalanche on Northeast facing at 10500ft in upper Cardiff Fork of BCC. (see avalanche list). A dozen or so collapses experienced in low angle north facing terrain. Wind was blowing hard enough to transport snow and it was snowing hard enough at times to increase the avalanche hazard.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
The avalanche we triggered was in a thin rocky area and failed on facets at the ground. With continued wind and snow overnight the faceted layers on the ground will continue to be stressed and extra sensitive to the weight of a skier or rider.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
I was experiencing cracking on south facing slopes within the top foot of the new snow we have received since Nov. 28th. With NW winds forecasted and more snowfall overnight I expect the interface between the new/old snow to be sensitive. Wind slabs will be on high alert tomorrow with the potential shift in wind.
Snow Profile
Aspect
South
Elevation
10,400'
Slope Angle
31°
Comments
I wanted to see how south was looking and to confirm why I believed it was safe to ski. There was some cracking where the new snow was slowly bonding to the sun crust. With new snow and winds overnight this could be a bit more sensitive tomorrow.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
High
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
High
