Observation: Cardiff Fork

Observation Date
12/18/2020
Observer Name
mark white
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Cardiff Fork
Location Name or Route
Cardiff Fork
Weather
Sky
Broken
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Light
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
11"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Cracking
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Comments
I'm just throwing up this quick observation as a PSA for people that are new to the backcountry, persistent weak layers do not just settle out or go away a few days after a storm like storm slabs and new snow instabilities. They stick around for a long time and can be activated for days or weeks after a storm. Today was filled with cracking , collapsing and triggering avalanches, and I would expect the hazard to remain elevated for the time being. Terrain management is your best tool for staying on top with an active PWL, slopes under 30 degrees with nothing steep above them is your best bet for the time being.
photos: cracks, and small pocket slides
Today's Observed Danger Rating
High
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable