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Observation: Cardiff Fork

Observation Date
4/28/2018
Observer Name
Brita
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Cardiff Fork
Location Name or Route
Cardiff Pass
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Clear sky and 60 degree temps in the parking lot (8,500') at 10 am. Temps decreased as we gained elevation, reaching 48 degrees on Cardiff Pass (10,050') at noon. Light wind from SW with moderate gusts increasing to moderate wind on the ridge with gusts at 30 mph. Cooler temps and wind kept snow decent at top but continued radiation made manky, sticky snow from mid elevation to base.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
Warm temps overnight caused complete lack of refreeze for first time. Snow extremely damp and slushy by 10 am on South aspects. Unpleasant skiing from 9,600' down, with grabby, punchy and dirty snow. Noticed pinwheels and roller balls forming from our turns even on slopes less than 30 degrees. Boot pen measured 10 cm at top and 25 cm at base.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Rapid Warming
Red Flags Comments
With no overnight freeze and continued heat throughout the day, snow at risk of W/L slides and cornice failures. Wet loose R1/D1 natural slide observed on East aspect high elevation as well as glide avalanche R1/D2 with ground bed surface on North aspects off Cardiac Ridge.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Gliding Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
As snowpack melts and drainage continues, we may see more glide avalanches on smoother bed surfaces.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Cornice
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
Cornices may continue to weaken under intense radiation
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low