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Observation: Cardiff/Mineral

Observation Date
1/13/2022
Observer Name
L. Dunn
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Cardiff/Mineral
Location Name or Route
BCC>Cardiff>Mineral Fork>East Fork>GB No
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
It was a very warm day for January with temperatures in the 40s. The overcast skies kept if from becoming a real cooker. There was really no wind at lower elevations, but 15-25 mph with some higher gusts on the ridge at 10k ASL between Cardiff and Mineral. The winds on the ridge were transporting some snow, enough to blow in some old skin tracks, but, as noted, other than right on the ridge there was little or no wind.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
The snow is really holding up remarkably well given the warm weather we've had. The last of the powder that fell last weekend got much more dense in the past 24 hours. This was true at all elevations. Below 8500' there was a hint of dampness on the snow surface. We did not spend any time on mostly south facing slopes, but all other aspects were still free of crust. As noted, the surface snow is becoming more dense but without crust, the riding conditions remain surprisingly good. As of today, it's still more about avoiding tracks than anything nature has done to the snow surface.
Comments
I can only comment on the surface conditions, we did not dig a pit, although we passed a group digging a pit in Georges Bowl, perhaps they'll submit an observation. It was a quiet day, there was no settlement, no cracking, and no sluffing of the surface snow. We skied some steeper slopes and convex rolls without incident. There didn't seem to be many folks out today.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low