UDOT PLANNED AVALANCHE CLOSURES!!

Observation: Rodeo Ridge

Observation Date
12/12/2023
Observer Name
brian smith
Region
Ogden » Ben Lomond » Rodeo Ridge
Location Name or Route
rodeo ridge area
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
surprisingly calm and clear today
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
5"
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
The storm has settled to about 3 inches at 6500ft. and about 7 inches at 8000ft. Wind crust in the exposed areas and suncrust on the south slopes. There is decent turning in the sheltered shady areas even down to the brush elevations. The rain crust from early December is very evident below 7000ft. but supportable. It is gone at about 7500ft. Below 6500ft. the runnels are frozen, sparsely covered and very bumpy!
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Red Flags Comments
Really did not see any red flags today.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Problem #1 Comments
A pit at 7800ft on a NE slope and could not find any facets or PWL in the area I was in. Entire pack was one finger density with a total depth of 52 inches (132 cm). If there was any old snow from the fall in this location, I could not find any old basal facets on the ground or above.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Normal Caution
Problem #2 Comments
I was finding near surface (1-2 inches down) grauple in scattered sheltered areas. Could be an issue with next snow?
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
7,800'
Comments
Photos:
1. Wind scoured ridge
2. Near surface grauple
3. Pit at 7800ft.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low
Coordinates