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Observation: Cardiff Pass

Observation Date
12/15/2024
Observer Name
Kelly, Richards
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » Cardiff Pass
Location Name or Route
Cardiff Pass
Weather
Sky
Scattered
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Light snowfall with clouds in/out throughout the ski tour. Air temperature at nearby weather stations was in the mid teens and most weather stations in the upper canyon had winds blowing from a westerly direction.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
3"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
Snow surface was medium density with 1"-3" (2-8cm) of settled snow. In places where the winds had more of an effect there were deeper stiffer drifts.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
10,000'
Slope Angle
31°
Comments
Total height of snow was 22" (55cm). The weakest snow we found was 9" (23cm) from the ground above a melt-freeze crust. The faceted snow in this layer was sensitive and we got propagation with 2 taps (ECTP2@ 23cm) and a shear with a compression test with 1 tap (CT1 @23 Sudden Collapse). We are starting to see more of a slab on top of the weak faceted snow. We did not ski this slope or any north or east facing terrain today.
We watched a party trigger this avalanche on a northeast facing aspect at 9,800' in elevation. Read the full report HERE. They were able to call Alta Central and let them know everyone was ok. If you trigger an avalanche in the backcountry find out what you can do HERE.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates