Observation: Cardiff Pass

Observation Date
12/8/2019
Observer Name
Bo Torrey
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » Cardiff Pass
Location Name or Route
Cardiff Pass & Emmas
Red Flags
Red Flags
Cracking
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Problem #1 Comments
Found roughly 2" of graupel on top of the old snow surface. Quick hand pits showed that the new snow on top of the graupel was easily reactive however, it did not seem like there was enough new snow or wind transport to be problematic where we traveled. The new snow was sluffying long and fast.
Comments
Continuing to avoid northerly facing terrain. Travels today took me to south-facing slopes in upper Little Cottonwood Canyon. Found 4"-8" of new snow in most areas. The dense new snow made for some great riding conditions on slopes sheltered from the wind. You could feel the underlying crust if you dug in with a turn or were in an area more exposed to the wind. The skiing was smooth and fast. Skinning up south-facing slopes was frustrating and slippery at times but got easier as the snow stacked up.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable