Observation Date
12/10/2013
Observer Name
Korydavis
Region
Ogden » Ben Lomond » Rodeo Ridge
Location Name or Route
Rodeo Ridge
Weather
Sky
Broken
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Winds were very terrain driven in the Rodeo Ridge area today. Lots of swirling and eddying winds. On the Ben Lomond ridge line the winds were sustained 30-40 mph.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
13"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
Snow is variable again. On lower elevation and protected slopes there was still dry powder from Saturdays storm. The large problem was finding it and avoiding the early season hazards. At higher elevation the snow was very wind effected.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Cracking
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Lots of collapsing and cracking today to many times to count (see photos). Also spotted on natural avalanche from sunday or yesterday. My guess is yesterday. It was 2 foot deep hard slab D1 R2. This failed on the wet facets on the ground. Very small in size and just off the ridge where the wind was loading it just right.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Problem #1 Comments
Everywhere you look or step you can feel the effects of the pre-frontal/post-frontal winds from Saturdays storm. I feel that skiing these slopes that have been effected is unlikely because of the poor skiing but terrain traps and moving under loaded slopes could definitely cause problems.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
New Snow
Problem #2 Comments
I am not sure which to put as problem number one. They are both intermixed with the new wind slab on top of the old weak layer form October.
Comments
There is a lot of potential out there for human caused avalanches. I think the one saving grace for rescuers and forecasters is where those avalanches could be present and triggered the skiing is very bad. Some one could definitely get caught on the up track though or crossing under a loaded slope. I would also be very wary of any terrain trap where there might be loading on the ridge or slope above. The new wind slab is very cohesive and can propagate quite far.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
