Observation: Cardiff Fork

Observation Date
1/2/2026
Observer Name
Babbitt
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Cardiff Fork
Location Name or Route
Cardiff
Weather
Sky
Broken
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Calm
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
9"
New Snow Density
High
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments

Good to very good boot top powder.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments

Basal structure is generally poor in the mid and upper elevations. There is some variability as some pits have shown dry 4-6mm facets while others have shown moist-damp or frozen rounding facets.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments

A dense 9” of snow fell in the last 24 hours. This snow did not show much for instabilities. It provided good to very good riding conditions on all aspects in mid and upper elevations. South-West facing terrain was showing signs of warmth with natural rollerballs in the steeper, rocky terrain.

Snow Profile
Aspect
Northwest
Elevation
9,600'
Slope Angle
34°
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates