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Observation: Cutler Ridge

Observation Date
11/30/2019
Observer Name
Megan, Bill, Lee
Region
Ogden » Ben Lomond » Cutler Ridge
Location Name or Route
Cutler Ridge
Weather
Sky
Broken
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southeast
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Some moderate gusts of wind from the south/southeast. Wind affected snow present. The sky was overcast on the hike up but transitioned to broken mid-afternoon. Noticeably colder at higher elevations. Wore a puffy jacket for the last third of the hike. Unable to see the top of Ben Lomond due to cloud cover.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Red Flags Comments
Did not find any old snow on northwest-northeast slopes between 8100-8700 ft. Dug a few quick pits. Signs of wind effect could be seen on the ridges and open areas. Soft slab in the new snow was unreactive. No avalanche activity was seen on the Ben Lomond-Willard headwall. 125cm HS.  Cohesive layer from 20cm down to the ground.  Surprisingly, no old snow present on the ground.  Top 20cm consisted of new snow stellars and graupel.  Quick HS measurements above 8100ft varied from 95-125cms depending on wind-affected areas. Did not travel to elevations where old snow most likely exists and avalanche danger could be much higher. For elevations less than 8,500ft avalanche danger is moderate. Would expect it to be higher at higher elevations.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Roughly 8in of new snow sluffed with little energy on slopes steeper than 35 degrees.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
Windloaded slopes were unreactive. Boot penetration was hip-deep leaving plenty of snow available for transport if winds continue or increase.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northwest
Elevation
8,100'
Slope Angle
25°
Comments
Graupel and stellars could be seen on skis while on the skin track. These were also seen in our pit in the top 20cms.
Forecaster Note: Thank you for the great observation!
Looking towards Ben Lomond from the trailhead. Notice broken sky and skies were clearing by sunset.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate