Observation: Cardiff Fork

Observation Date
11/17/2013
Observer Name
Jim Harris
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Cardiff Fork
Location Name or Route
United States
Weather
Sky
Scattered
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Density
High
Snow Characteristics Comments
Winds last night destroyed most of the 6%-density blower that fell yesterday. It was preserved about a foot down, but capped by a cakey layer. "Upsidedown" and "surfy" were the catchphrases of the day. Mid-elevation, mellow-angle, wind sheltered runs that also have an old snow base were probably the place to be today, but that's a small bullseye to hit. Upper elevation glades and open slopes were wind-worked and variable ski penetration made for herky-jerky skiing on the most wind-blasted slopes. Early rise tips and fatish skis didnt keep us from getting corked in a few drifts.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Cracking
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
We experienced many collapses while touring today. Neither the collapses, nor stomping baby cornices, nor ski cuts yielded any avalanches. Saw a little cracking, but heard and felt 15 more "wumphs" that'd didn't leave evidence behind. Even in relatively sheltered areas well below ridgelines, collapses were easy to produce. Though noisy, the new snow seemed reluctant to move, although we did observe a skier-triggered avalanche from across the valley.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Same
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Comments
Looking at cracks created in fresh windslab along the ridgeline