Observation: Cardiac Ridge

Observation Date
1/28/2013
Observer Name
Kendall/Kobernik
Region
Salt Lake
Location Name or Route
Holy Toledo, Cardiac Ridge
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Light snow fall with light to moderate winds. Air temperatures decreased throughout the day.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
11"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
South facing aspects held a melt-freeze crust below 10-12" of new strom snow. Bottom feeding for the suckers who followed Makoff's lead down Toledo Bowl. Evidence of sluffing within the new snow was seen on all steep aspects- occurred at various times thoughout the duration of the storm.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Collapsing
Red Flags Comments
Some collapsing felt during our ascent of Cardic Ridge. One medium collapse felt on our 3rd lap up to the ridge on our already established skin track. This likely failed on the NSFs that formed previous to this storm or on the New Years facets. We dug down and found the rim crust to be present above the New Years facets.
Comments

Although my partner was 'off the clock' he was still very astute to the current snow pack. We were concerned about the buried weak layers but after careful evaluation we felt that the terrain we chose to ski was stable. Not enough new weight to overload the persistent weak layers in a widespread manner.

Main concerns for upcoming days revolve around anticipated northwest winds overloading buried weakness.