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Observation: Cardiff/Mineral

Observation Date
1/15/2017
Observer Name
AIARE 2
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Cardiff/Mineral
Location Name or Route
Cardiff/Georges/Low Ivory/East Mineral
Weather
Sky
Few
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Basically Clear and very few clouds. Temperatures were warm, but not excessively. High at 10,000 feet was 29. Non existent winds with no Wind Blown.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Wind Crust
Melt-Freeze Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments

Widespread SH and NSF's developing on all aspects. On Southerly Slopes with angles > 20 degrees the SH is being cooked down each day. On all other slopes it is gaining size and up to 5 mm in many locations. Excellent riding on this surface on the upper half of the compass. Riding is very fast and low angle works as well as moderate and steep. Wind Crusts are possible on the highest elevation exposed ridgeline as reported from the Red and White Pine Observations. SE aspects became damp by 11:00, and Crusts were back in place by early afternoon on the steeper southerly slopes.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Poor snowpack structure appeared to be confined to the previously mentioned weak surface snow. Significant Temperature Gradient was observed between the surface and 20 cm down. Snow Pit Tests continue to identify two buried Graupel Layers, and they were at 40 cm and 60 cm down respectively. Shear Character in all tests continue to be RP.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wet Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments

Loose Wet appeared to show less activity today than on Saturday. Yet, continued sunshine may help initiate a few Wet Loose Avalanches again on Monday.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
New Snow
Problem #2 Comments

Sloughing in the top 10 to 15 cm on steep shady E, N and NW aspects appears to be increasing as the surface snow weakens more each day.

Overhanging Cornices may still be sensitive.

Isolated pockets of Wind Slab may be still lingering in the Alpine similar to the Avalanches reported from Sunday.

Danger mostly Low today and for tomorrow as well, besides daytime heating and the above mentioned other Isolated possibilities.

Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low