Observation: Cardiff Fork

Observation Date
1/18/2022
Observer Name
Collett
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Cardiff Fork
Location Name or Route
Cardiff Fork
Weather
Sky
Few
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Beautiful day with temps in the low 30s.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Faceted Loose
Melt-Freeze Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
At 7500 the snow surface is a mix of recycled powder sitting atop a thermal crust on on W-N-E, while solars have a sun crust. Isolated pockets of surface hoar in protected terrain.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
HS 80-120cm in areas traveled today (below 7500). While we didn't find faceted snow from October the snow surface is becoming extremely weak and faceted. Also of note are two thermal crusts around 10cm and 20cm down, with facets below them, that produced multiple CTMs, SP and an ECTP. These layers could become more of a concern with the next loading event.
Comments
Walked around the lower reaches of Cardiff Fork with an AIARE L2 class today with the goal of looking at structure in the lower elevations. While we didn't find old faceted snow from October we found the surface snow to be very weak and faceted, as well as two reactive layers (mentioned above) in the upper pack. Figured I'd submit an ob since there isn't as much information coming in from the lower elevations.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
None
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
None
Coordinates