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Observation: Cardiff Fork

Observation Date
3/17/2023
Observer Name
Hardesty and Torrey
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Cardiff Fork
Location Name or Route
Cardiff Fork
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Speed
Calm
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Wind Crust
Melt-Freeze Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
Southerlies and low angle northerlies are damp or crusted. Wind affect noted more mid-slope than in classic starting zones.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Comments
We entered into Cardiff near this cornice triggered avalanche - just west of the Keyhole. Tests adjacent to this avalanche hinted at no lingering instabilities. Layers of graupel were noted at 45cm and 60cm. Photos below
Still, tests fall by the wayside when one notes a new human triggered avalanche from today in adjacent terrain. Clearly, the mid-week storm and wind issues have not healed entirely.
We triggered shallow size 1 dry loose and noted size 1.5 wet loose in sun/heated terrain.
Cornices remain a real danger and may still trigger avalanches on slopes below. Note where this "hard slab" cornice may break off.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
None
Coordinates