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Observation: Willard Peak

Observation Date
3/16/2014
Observer Name
Hardesty, Wilson, Diegel, Diegel, Patterson, Howell, Nick
Region
Ogden » Willard Peak
Location Name or Route
Cutler Ridge-Ben Lomond-Willard Peak and environs
Weather
Sky
Few
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Good refreeze. High thin clouds, westerly winds 25-30 along Ogden Skyline. Not much snow to blow around.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Wind Crust
Melt-Freeze Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments

Supportable, immature corn, spongy wind buff, and something altogether less complimentary than that.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Red Flags Comments
Pockets of very isolated 2" wind slab noted, hardly worth a mention. Winds and decent refreeze kept much of wet activity at bay. Many steep lines skiied in stable snow on steep east and northeast terrain along the high ridgelines. Other potential red flags included party size, yet all were competent and confident with communication and snow/avalanche experience.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Cornice
Problem #1 Comments

Significant cornices noted along Ogden skyline.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Problem #2 Comments

Even "no red flags" is information as well. With this many, felt obliged to have a snow, weather, avalanche conditions, and route options discussion before we launched at 630am. Hx noted by Brandt, Wewer, and others. Route splintered into three groups at one point with two independent groups skiing down from the Willard shoulder into Cutler Creek, the other continuing up Willard, descending the steep east ramps into the upper Black Creek.

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