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Observation: Superior

Observation Date
3/21/2023
Observer Name
Superior Carpool Crew
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » Superior
Location Name or Route
Mt. Superior
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Wind Loading
Cracking
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Gliding Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
The ridgeline from Cardiff to Superior was like playing Pitfall to the tune of NIN's "Down In It." About halfway to the booter one of our party fell into what looked like a glide crack but more likely was a cornice pulling away from the ridge. We were, however, 10-15 feet away from the northern ridge.
Just beyond, my other companion and then I dropped into holes up to our armpits. I swore. He didn't. Maybe I was just more attuned to the situation: a later party told us one of the crevices dropped 20 feet.
I've been skiing Superior for years and have never seen anything like it.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
Not surprisingly, once we started skiing Superior our turns sheared the 10" or so of new snow and sent it all sluffing down. If you got to Superior later, I'm sorry. Skiing that older wind board can't have been pleasant.
Comments
Among other things...those cornices! So big.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates