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Observation: Cardiff Pass

Observation Date
12/8/2025
Observer Name
Zimmerman-Wall
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » Cardiff Pass
Location Name or Route
Cardiff Pass
Weather
Sky
Broken
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Skis were broken in the AM. Trending toward scattered. Temps were mild and wind gusts were notable at ridge top.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
15"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments

The storm snow from 12/5-12/6 has settled nicely and provides good support for riding. The wind effected surfaces are edgeable. Conditions sometimes border on shallow powder out of the wind.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Cracking
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments

Viewed this problem in upper Cardiff (Mill D South) along steep NE facing slopes.

Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
9,700'
Slope Angle
20°
Comments

Short tour objectives to look at coverage, preview recent avalanche activity, and assess snowpack structure. The riding conditions were better than anticipated.

Snow was moving along the highest ridgelines and in open terrain, but it did not load into sensitive drifts during the time I was out from 830-1030 am.

Coverage Pictures:

1. Cardiff Pass Zone (LCC) coverage on S. Facing

2. Just below Cardiff Pass coverage on S. Facing bowl

3. Alta Bird sunshine and clouds. Note the snow transport along the 11k ridgelines.

4. Grizzly to Catherines pano

5. South Superior

Avalanches:

5. Powerline slab avalanche in Cardiff (BCC) on NE aspect ~9800'. Looks to be a couple days old and perhaps a natural.

Profile:

6. 55cm HS profile on NE 9700'

7. Depth hoar reactive in CT and ECT.

Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
None
Coordinates