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Observation: Cutler Ridge

Observation Date
12/15/2013
Observer Name
Tim Beaman
Region
Ogden » Ben Lomond » Cutler Ridge
Location Name or Route
Cutler Ridge Ben Lomond
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
The wind continues to etch the snow surface at upper elevations with erosion and deposition of surface facets. Cold temps persistent.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Faceted Loose
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments

A luxuriant and widespread blanket of surface hoar is developing at lower and mid elevtations, up to 15 mm crystals, making fun some fun skiing through the low bushes.

A quick pit on E slope @ 30 degrees 8800 just below the saddle S of Ben Lomond summit:

0-16" wind slab of rounded facets, mostly 4 finger

CT = 6 Q2 @ 17" on a very weak layer of facets associated with an old crust

17-40" (to ground) mostly old facets, fist

No collapsing or cracking as noted on previous tour (12/12/13)

Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
If surface hoar development continues and is buried intact by the next storm, it could provide a very insidious weak layer once buried.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates