Observation: Cardiff Pass

Observation Date
12/17/2019
Observer Name
AIARE Pro 1 Sean Zimmerman-Wall/ChrisBremer/Eeva Latosuo
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » Cardiff Pass
Location Name or Route
Cardiff Pass
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wet Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Wet loose avalanches observed. As the clear skies and warming trend keeps up tomorrow, we will continue to observe evidence of wet snow.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
There are facets above the meltfreeze crust at the bottom of snowpack. It is worthwhile to keep track of this layer.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Southwest
Elevation
9,700'
Comments
AIARE Pro 1 course toured up to lower Cardiff Bowl to evaluate the distribution and reactivity of October facets and the effects of surface warming on the blower pow from the recent storm.
Weather: Clear sky. Temperatures warmed to above freezing. No wind or precipitation.
Surface conditions: Warming of top of snowpack on the top few centimeters. Thin sun crust on true south. Good ski quality on descent.
Snowpack:
HS ranging 120-150cm at 9700'. We dug on on W, SW and SE aspects.
Thanksgiving storm is well settled in 1F-P hard slab.
Meltfreeze crust/facet combo at the bottom of snowpack was found on all of our pits.
Results: No significant test results from multiple pits. One Deep Tap test failed with sudden collapse on facets above the basal meltfreeze crust.
Small wet loose avalanches observed in S/SE slopes below rock bands.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates