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Observation: Cardiff Fork

Observation Date
4/3/2019
Observer Name
Jonathan Gal
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Cardiff Fork
Location Name or Route
Cardiff Pass to Cardiac Ridge to Mill B Runout
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Rapid Warming
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wet Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
The temperature increased more than the morning forecast predicted. By 1pm, the temperature was reported to be over 40 degrees at Alta base, compared to the 33 degrees predicted in the morning forecast.
This transformed the nice dry snow expected on Northerly aspects into wet, sticky cement that was more challenging to ski and also more prone to slide.
This unexpected warming occurred even at 10,000 feet where I entered Cardiac Bowl from Cardiff Pass.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Cornice
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
The unexpected warming, even at 10,000 feet on Northerly aspects may have also weaken a number of cornices that we’re hanging in that direction from the Cardiff Pass ridge.
Comments
Due to the unexpected, rapid warming I encountered on Cardiff Pass, I cut short my tour by descending down the Mill B runout to BCC, instead of looping back up for additional laps.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates