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Observation: Cutler Ridge

Observation Date
3/8/2014
Observer Name
Tim Beaman
Region
Ogden » Ben Lomond » Cutler Ridge
Location Name or Route
Cutler Ridge to Ben Lomond summit
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Clear and cold last night so finally a good freeze-up overnight. 27 degrees at the trailhead. Brilliant sunshine to start the morning. Just a trace of new snow/grauple from yesterday's late afternoon clouds.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Faceted Loose
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments

Low and mid-elevations sported a nice frozen crust in the am with the rising sun promising a creamy corn surface to develop on sunny aspects. Above the "dead tree knob" (the prominent knob above the upper weather station with a big dead tree on it), the snow from last Thursday night began to make its appearance and gradually deepened to about 3-4" at just below the upper ridge line. The ridge line to the summit was plastered with a thick coat old and fresh wind slab and crust.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Wind Loading
Rapid Warming
Red Flags Comments
No cracking or collapsing noted. The gulleys on the NE face below the Ben Lomond summit showed signs of significant cross loading over the past few days. Signs of loose snow avalanches in these gulleys from the last storm was also evident. Wet snow avalanches on steeper upper elevation slopes facing the sun were widespread in the Ben Lomond/Willard/Island Peak cirque.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments

Relatively recent cross-loading of steeper upper elevation slopes. Obvious enough from a distance to warrant moderate hazard.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wet Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments

Many natural wet slides occurring in the steeper upper elevation slopes which faced the sun.

Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low

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