Observation: Cardiff Fork

Observation Date
11/11/2022
Observer Name
R. Kosinski, Molind, Giarratano, Parent
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Cardiff Fork
Location Name or Route
Cardiff Fork
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Normal Caution
Problem #1 Comments
Based on our tour today, I think that it is unlikely to encounter significant wind slabs outside of extreme, exposed, north facing terrain.
Comments
We started our tour today at 8:45 under clear, cool skies. Working up towards the ridge on George's Bowl, it appeared that there was around 60cm of mid-density snow on top of old, high density snow. We did not encounter wind slab even in areas we suspected would harbor it. Snow depths averaged around a meter in most areas. Coverage is great and the current set-up is very promising for the season.
Looking into Mineral and Broads Forks, there was an avalanche cycle at cliff bases during the end of the last storm cycle. Typical presentation was 9k-10k elevation, NE aspect, and around 100' wide in/below extreme terrain. I suspect this could have been the result of graupel pooling early in the storm and these areas loading quickly due to high precip rates and high wind.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low
Coordinates