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Observation: Cutler Ridge

Observation Date
2/19/2016
Observer Name
Bill Brandt, Lee Fortin, BC
Region
Ogden » Ben Lomond » Cutler Ridge
Location Name or Route
Cutler Ridge
Weather
Sky
Scattered
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Wind swirled from multiple directions at mid elevations. Moderate winds with strong gusts along Ben Lomond ridge line all day long. Skiing conditions gradually worsened as the day progressed.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
6"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments

Light snow early in the day damaged by wind and warm temperatures. Difficult to tell actual new snow depth. There were many down trees and branches from yesterdays strong winds as reported. Wind crusts became prevalent by mid afternoon. Some places scoured to old snow surface.

Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments

Wind slabs forming on low density snow underneath. These did not seem very reactive to ski cuts, but still wouldn't trust them on steeper slopes. New snow bonded well to old surface. Little to no sluffing with ski cuts.

1. Wind moving a lot of snow upper Cutler ridge.

2. Spin drift along ridge to Ben Lomond.

3. Willard Peak at same time without much wind.

Mostly moderate danger except on wind loaded ridges where I would call it considerable danger.

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