Observation: Cutler Ridge

Observation Date
2/7/2013
Observer Name
brian smith
Region
Ogden
Location Name or Route
cutler ridge to 7500 ft
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
no wind below 7500 ft
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Faceted Loose
Wind Crust
Melt-Freeze Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments

I found good turning on soft settled powder on the North protected slopes. The snow pack is very weak down low in the protected areas. I found surface hoar forming in the drainages as well. I could push a pole down to almost the ground at 7000 ft. Up higher there is a bunch of wind slab on the open slopes. It seems that if both the low elevation weak snow got together with the higher elevation slabs it would be a rocky marriage! I think the new snow may be more of a problem at low and mid elevations depending how it comes in.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Red Flags Comments
point wet releases from yesterday on the southeast rocky face of Willard peak. The longest ran 1000 vert. feet. Fanned from a point to 200ft. wide. (the photo did not turn out) No dry snow red flags
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments

The old faceted snow is down there but not moving with test slopes but does with ECT again at 20 wacks with good propagation at 8000 ft. Not sure how to tell when it slide other than staying off of steep slopes.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wet Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments

see above