Observation: Cardiff Fork

Observation Date
1/28/2020
Observer Name
Greg Gagne
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Cardiff Fork
Location Name or Route
Cardiff Fork
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Weather Comments
Mid-level clouds that turned obscured by mid-day.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
12"
New Snow Density
High
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
20-40 cms (8-16") of settled storm snow.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Was able to trigger a few sensitive shallow wind slabs on north and east aspects, running on the new snow/old snow interface. They were generally 20-30 cms thick, but not propagating widely.
Comments
Storm snow sensitivities have settled out, and a few pits I dug in wind-sheltered terrain were all ECTN. Shovel tilt tests were not producing any clean shears. I was finding a few sensitive wind drifts that I was able to ski cut, and trigger small class 1 slides. Wind drifts do appear to be settling out, and will likely be less sensitive on Wednesday. Any new storm should bond well to existing snow surface.
With some clearing early this morning it was apparent we went through a natural cycle Monday. There were widespread sluffs in storm snow and shallow storm slabs evident. Photo is from Cardiac Ridge.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate