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Avalanche: Cutler Basin

Observer Name
Everett
Observation Date
Saturday, February 21, 2015
Avalanche Date
Saturday, February 21, 2015
Region
Ogden » Ben Lomond » Cutler Basin
Location Name or Route
Cutler Basin Slabs Above the Enviromental Center
Elevation
6,500'
Aspect
Northeast
Slope Angle
40°
Trigger
Natural
Avalanche Type
Dry Loose
Avalanche Problem
New Snow
Weak Layer
New Snow/Old Snow Interface
Depth
2"
Width
10'
Vertical
40'
Comments

While at a the Environmental Center for a Avalanche Clinic for the Weber County SAR, I noticed a small point release avalanche off of the Cutler Basin rock slabs. The point release entrained the new snow shortly after a few squalls had come through and dropped an additional 1-1.5 in of precipitation in the form of mixed particles and rimed crystals wind was 3-5 mph as waves entered and exited. Overnight 1.5-3 in of snow had fallen with little wind, observations at lower levels with snow still present, indicated poor bonding in the new snow. Likely preserving any surface weaknesses or the bed surface was simply slick combined with cold temps and not enough time to bold to old surface. Took a couple of pictures but light was too flat to expose a decent pictures. No other avalanches were observed, however poor light, low clouds and new snow all day made it difficult to see much higher were I would expect more wide spread activity. Will look at getting some pictures from across the valley tomorrow if conditions allow.

Coordinates