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Observation: Cardiff Fork

Observation Date
1/1/2016
Observer Name
Wilson, Slack, Hardesty
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Cardiff Fork
Location Name or Route
Cardiff Fork
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
Southeast
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Wind was the game changer today, affecting snow quality, avalanche hazard, and route choice. Top of Collins Wx station reports steady SE wind in the 20s and 30s, with wind chill values in the negative teens. Wind certainly cross-loading many mid-slope features, but conditions were calm and pleasant in Tube area and along Powerline.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments

Soft snow still hiding out in the trees at mid elevations. Wind affected snow ranging from thin skins to 10+ cm slabs experienced elsewhere, with awkward transitions between!

Hard and hollow wind pillows kept us on guard. Many small wind-related avalanches noted (see Avalanche ob for subtle pictures).

Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Wind Loading
Cracking
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Wind loading on many aspects, leading to small avalanches. These avalanches were mostly Size 1 3-8" deep and 30 feet wide and not limited to particular aspects or just off the ridgelines. Cracking primarily localized, but an intentional stomp in a sensitive spot could send the cracking further. Snow structure still an issue, especially because basal facets coud conceivably be activated by a wind slab that steps down. We didn't note any of today's slides running on the ground, however.
Comments

Quick NW facing pit at 9500' had HS 97, ECTX. Extra hard pounding required to collapse column on 2mm facets near ground.

Ski plans for the next day or two will avoid routes that require entry into possibly wind-loaded starting zones. I'll also feel uncomfortable crossing "whales" above high consequence terrain. That said, soft snow remains easy enough to find lower/sheltered locations, and the blue skies and sunshine were fine fine fine.

5 second video of the wind funneling through cardiff pass: made for a scary pillow on exit.

Cornice kicked (with NO ONE below) results in small wind slab slide.

Skiers tracks taken out by minor sluffs on Holy Toledo

Video
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable