Morning tour into Cardiff Fork. Entered via Keyhole, on to Cardiac Ridge, Cardiac Bowl, and back to Alta. Good stability this morning. Dug several quick pits on most aspects and was finding the weakest snow to be the light-density layer that forms the interface between the old and new snow. This is down 50-60 cms (20-24"). This weak layer was quite active on Tuesday afternoon, and apparently settled out Wednesday. Today it was still easy to identify and I was getting Moderate to Hard shears. The layer is strengthening and now decomposing fragments. CT scores in north-facing Cardiac Bowl were CT15-20 Q2 RP; the shears were mostly clean, but the weak layer was only fracturing and barely sliding on the weak layer.
Following Brett's observation from Wednesday, we were leery of steeper aspects, but ski cuts and pits were showing a largely healed snowpack, and this is typical of what we expect this time of year. Overall the slab on top just seems to lack any energy, however I would still avoid steep wind-loaded slopes.
Sun, warmth, and greenhousing had dampened most aspects by the time we were exiting mid-day, but clouds and winds kept temps cool enough to limit wet avalanche activity.
Overall on the lower end of a Moderate hazard this morning.
Talked with UDOT forecaster Mark Sauer this afternoon and he said it perfectly - "issues are now related to heating of the snowpack" - and this will be the primary concern for Friday. Am calling the hazard for Friday Moderate, but with plenty of soft snow on all aspects, any rapid warm-up will likely lead to rapid wet activity and equally rapid rise in hazard.
Photos:
Snow profile from Cardiac Bowl
View of obscured Cardiac Ridge (sort of the anti Mark White Photo - eh?)
Video of ski partner putting in a good ski cut above the Keyhole before committing to the line.
Lastly - sent in my contribution to the Friends of the Utah Avalanche Forecast Center today. The Friends really make so much happen for the UAC. We are so fortunate to have what I believe is the best forecast center in the US, and the Friends - led by Paul Diegel - provide much of the support. Before you get too comfortable switching to biking or climbing and forget about skiing, be sure to send in your contribution to the Friends.