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Observation: Cardiff Pass

Observation Date
4/28/2018
Observer Name
Adam
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » Cardiff Pass
Location Name or Route
Cardiff Pass
Weather
Sky
Few
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Warm overnight temps meant our first complete lack of refreeze at the elevations we observed (up to 10,000 ft). Temps in the mid 50's by the time we started from Alta Guard at 10:30. Some cooling/ stable temps at ridge line late in the morning, but continual heating below. Signs of front moving in: stronger winds, some convective clouds in distance. Calm winds in LCC from the SSE shifted to moderate at the pass, with gusts up to 30 mph out of the SW.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
Damp, slushy and dirty snow. Riding conditions were reportedly slushy by 9:00am on south aspects. Full slush, grabby conditions for our descent at 12:00 from the pass. The upper turns were manageable, mid to lower elevations were challenging at best. Some pinwheels triggered on our descent, despite avoiding steepest aspects off of Cardiff.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Rapid Warming
Red Flags Comments
As note above, no overnight refreeze and warm temps. Wet loose R1/D1 observed on East aspect at newest/old snow interface. Glide R1/D2 to the ground on North aspects off Cardiac Ridge spotted from the pass. Conditions probably would have been worse if we hadn't had a few days of melt freeze and good moisture drainage in the days prior.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wet Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Loose wet will remain an issue until the impending front cools things off. If there is no refreeze tonight, expect deteriorating snow quality and loose wet, both natural and human triggered. Given the expected front moving in, tomorrow may see less activity, but increased solar radiation and another warm day may be a concern.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Gliding Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
Glide observed in Cardiff demonstrates this threat. Except further instances over smooth terrain if the the temps do not drop tonight and tomorrow.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low