Observation Date
2/28/2026
Observer Name
Cage Vigil
Region
Ogden » Ben Lomond » Cutler Ridge
Location Name or Route
Cutler Ridge
Weather
Sky
Few
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
We started the day at the trailhead at 29 F. It continued to warm throughout our tour.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Rain-Rime Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
Low elevation band was primarily dirt. Trail runners would have been appropriate for a portion of the day. Mid to High elevations held supportable crusts on the surface, a mix of 1F hard to K hard, depending on aspect.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Red Flags Comments
A handful of large, long running avalanches near the ridgeline of the upper elevation band. Reported separately.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Weak structure still dominates the snowpack.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wet Snow
Problem #2 Comments
The entirety of the snowpack in this pit ranged from damp to wet. Anywhere along the profile, one could grab a handful of snow and easily form a snowball. As temperatures increase throughout the week and additional warm precipitation is added to the zone, an increase in wet problem avalanches should be expected.
Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
7,800'
Slope Angle
22°
Comments
Formal stability tests could not be performed as the ECT cord packed for the day was not able to break through the series of rain crusts. Practitioners hoping to perform stability tests in the near future should pack a pole saw, or perhaps a chainsaw.
Interestingly, I could not find the facet/crust matrix that formed around the holiday period.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates
