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Observation: Cutler Ridge

Observation Date
12/20/2016
Observer Name
brian smith
Region
Ogden » Ben Lomond » Cutler Ridge
Location Name or Route
cutler ridge/birthday bowls
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Strong
Weather Comments
strong SW winds,
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
2"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments

Nasty surface conditions out there will test your character! Even the smooth surfaces are ruff. There are a few sheltered areas in the lower elevations that have a nice 2-3 inches of light snow on a bullet proof crust.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Cracking
Red Flags Comments
Lots of wind loading going on.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Problem #1 Comments

Many ridges are building up large hollow wind slabs. At 7000 ft. I was standing pondering my next move when a slope slid about 100 yards from me. It as 50 ft. across 12 inch crown on a 30 deg slope, north facing and ran on 50 vertical feet as it was a short slope. Very interesting all the same as it was a natural in front of my eyes! Looking at the bed surface, it slid on surface hoar from the 3 inches of snow that fell on 12/16 after the 3 inches of rain. On many of the more exposed ridges, I presume this surface hoar was blown to Wyoming or somewhere. This slope was mid elevation and somewhat protected however and the surface hoar very obvious. (My camera/phone died after two photos so no picture of the bed surface). I believe there are traps out there like this in addition to the obvious large cornices and hollow wind slab.

Comments

Photos of above described natural slide.

Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate