Observation: Cutler Ridge

Observation Date
1/14/2017
Observer Name
Doug Wewer
Region
Ogden » Ben Lomond » Cutler Ridge
Location Name or Route
Cutler Ridge
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Bluebird, calm day. Almost no wind affected snow visible on the surface.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Faceted Loose
Melt-Freeze Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments

New batch of surface hoar growing at all elevations and aspects. 5mm + already. South and some Southeast slopes developed a thin sun crust today up to at least 8300', but the crust was still skiable. The crust formed an inch or so below the snow surface. The surface remained cold and dry. The new snow has settled considerably Settlement cones are visible around bushes.

Red Flags
Red Flags Comments
No red flags today besides the recent avalanches from Wednesday, and the snow structure associated with those slides. I did see a fair amount of very shallow dry sluffs from point releases off of rock bands. Most of these didn't appear to pose much of a hazard. I'm guessing occured late in the storm, or possibly with the first sunlight to hit the snow on Friday. I could see lots of evidence of avalanches in Cutler Basin that occurred during the last storm and is now partially buried. Several steep slopes were skied by multiple parties today without incident. I am personally staying off of steep slopes at least a couple more days out of respect for the large water weight from the last storm. The low angle skiing is great.
Comments

Surface hoar.

Example of partially buried debris from mid-storm avalanche in Cutler Basin.

The clear skies provided good viewing of the numerous crowns at lower elevations (natural cycle from Wednesday 1/11). If you look closely in the second photo (more trees), there are at least four crowns.

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