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Observation: Cutler Ridge

Observation Date
12/1/2019
Observer Name
Hardesty and Wilson
Region
Ogden » Ben Lomond » Cutler Ridge
Location Name or Route
Cutler Ridge
Weather
Sky
Few
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Cool and windy.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
3.5'
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Wind Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
Wind and sun taking its toll. Surface hoar 3-8mm noted along snow surfaces but likely now destroyed above 7500' or so. Upper elevations probe depths of 100-145cm. Low elevation coverage is good = 70cm.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Looking for old snow.
Two snowpits (8600' north facing) dug perhaps 100' apart shared similar characteristics with 20cm of weak early season snow capped by the recent storm snow.
Tests elicited full propagation at old snow interface 80-90cm down with ECT (20,24,N) and PST 30/100 and PST 50/100.
No cracking or collapsing observed.
No natural avalanches at this layering noted in the upper Cutler area.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
Winds having their way with the snow surface conditions and likely creating wind drifts along lee features as far down as 8000' or so.
Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
8,600'
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates