Observation Date
1/30/2016
Observer Name
Derek DeBruin
Region
Ogden » Ben Lomond » Cutler Ridge
Location Name or Route
Ben Lomond, Cutler Ridge
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Snowfall was heavy at the start of our day (S5 around 0700) and gradually tapered throughout the day to S-1 by 1430. Snow was quite dense rimed stellars, with density decreasing as altitude increased. As expected, winds increased with elevation, but decreased throughout the day. We were surprised to find that summit winds (9700 feet) at 1130 were generally light with gusts to moderate, though blowing consistently. Consequently, wind effects and snow transport were apparent above 7800 feet and conditions above 8500 feet were almost exclusively wind scoured or wind packed snow.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
6"
New Snow Density
High
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments
New snow depth increased throughout the day as accumulations continued, but at 5600 feet, approximately 6" had already accumulated by 0700. Snow was quite dense below 7000 feet.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
We did not see any natural avalanches, nor cracking or collapsing. However, visibility was quite limited so it's possible there were naturally triggered slides that we were simply unable to see on more distant slopes.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
As snow continued to fall, storm sluffs were of increasing concern. At lower elevations, the old snow surface had clearly been impacted by rain, leaving a slushy ice crust. The dense new snow seemed to be bonding to this breakable, mushy crust fairly well. At mid and upper elevations, snowfall was less dense and the crust was frozen more solidly, causing the new snow to sluff readily. Wind effects created small areas of slabbier storm snow.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
At a mid-elevation quick pit, we noted a weak layer about 40cm below the snow surface, a small layer of facets along a subtle change in snow hardness. Given the rapid and heavy loading of the snowpack, we did not test the reactivity of this layer and elected to simply avoid steep terrain as we weren't sure how much stress the layer would be subjected to as snow continued to accumulate throughout the day.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
7,100'
Slope Angle
20°
Comments
A quick pit to about 120cm in depth revealed about 15cm of new snow on an icy rain crust that was still a bit mushy. Denser new snow seemed to be bonding a bit to this crust, but as elevation increased the crust became harder, the snow lighter, and bonding was limited or non-existent. A faceted layer created an interface between 4F and 1F snow at 40cm depth. Snow was of consistent 1F hardness below this to the extent of the pit, approximately 120cm depth.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates
