Observation: Rodeo Ridge

Observation Date
1/10/2016
Observer Name
Bill Brandt and Emily
Region
Ogden » Ben Lomond » Rodeo Ridge
Location Name or Route
Rodeo Ridge
Weather
Sky
Broken
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Weather Comments
Mostly cloudy with light snow. The sun broke out a few times. More sun after we were off the mountain at 3pm.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
2"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments

Light snow today and yesterday. Little to no wind. Small amounts just keep adding up. I supposed about a foot over the last several days. Above knee boot penetration. The snow skied somewhat dense compared to how light it seemed as it fell from the sky. Very enjoyable skiing. No crusts even on SE facing aspects.

Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments

Saw several good sized day old sluffs skiing over by Cutler Ridge yesterday. Not able to trigger sluffs on 35 degree slopes in that area. Today skied a short 40 degree plus slope to access our exit and the expected sluff was enough to knock a skier down. They stood up and skied out of it. The sluff moved slowly running out of energy after 50 yards as the slope angle lessened and it hit brush. This problem is becoming more difficult to trigger compared to Friday and is fairly predictable and manageable with ski cuts.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments

This problem is lessening. The first bowl we skied today I suspected had slid before Christmas and was worried about a weak shallow snow pack, however I didn't think so after probing starting zone and finding snow depths of 170-200 cms.

The sun trying to come out.

Sluff piled up in brush.

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