Avalanche: Ben Lomond 12/22/2010

Observer Name: 
Lee Fortin
Observation Date: 
12/24/2010
Occurrence Date: 
12/22/2010
Occurrence Time: 
Unknown
Region: 
Ogden
Ben Lomond
Location Name: 
Main Ben Lomond ridge line, East facing
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Avalanche Characteristics
Elevation: 
8100'
and below
Aspect: 
East
Slope Angle: 
Unknown
Trigger: 
Natural
Trigger: additional info: 
Repeater
Avalanche Type: 
Hard Slab
Weak Layer: 
New Snow/Old Snow Interface
Depth (avg): 
9"
Width: 
125'
Vertical: 
175'
General Comments

Observed the normal expected avalanches on the main ridge line of the Ben Lomond area from this type of storm cycle.  Counted about six from our view point on Rodeo Ridge looking west.  They looked like they happen towards the end of the last pulse of energy from the storm.  We dug a pit at about the same mid elevation of the observed avalanches.

Pit test: Elevation 8000 ft, 60 Degrees on the compass, slop anlge 34 degrees, Total snow depth 230cm, Pit Depth 81cm, With the following results. CT7Q2 failing on the snow interface from the last storm pulse.  ECT9NPQ2 failing on the same.  I didn't get any other failure further down in the snow pack.  This is what I believe the avalanches in question failed on. Their is a 8cm thick melt freeze crust about 44cm down from the snow surface that should cause some concern later.  Also their is surface hoar forming on the east and north aspects.

 


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