Observation: Cardiff Pass

Observation Date
2/21/2024
Observer Name
Fluff diver
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » Cardiff Pass
Location Name or Route
Cardiff/Pole line pass
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Cracking
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Variable areas of graupel pooling, it only appeared in certain spots (mostly under steeper slopes) but had two distinct layers each 10cm below each other. Had some energy with cracking, not much of a slab on those layers currently but it could present a growing hazard if more snow falls before it rounds out.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
Less wind at 10,000' than I was expecting but it certainly was enough to move the new snow around.
Comments
Excellent snow conditions! Low light, was hard to see and the graupel interface was maybe the most surprisingly variable hazard I've seen this winter.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates