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Observation: Cutler Ridge

Observation Date
12/3/2016
Observer Name
Joe, Colby
Region
Ogden » Ben Lomond » Cutler Ridge
Location Name or Route
Cutler Area
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
The weather station at 8000 had temps recorded in the low 20's, but felt quite a bit colder above 8500 or so. Light SW wind at the saddle.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
Above 7500 to just below the saddle the snow is mostly dense powder. Near the saddle and above there is a ton of wind crust as you'd expect.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Layer of facets approx 10cm thick near the ground.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
8,600'
Slope Angle
30°
Comments
We dug a pit at around 8600 in the Bailey Cabin Spring area. The snow was about 68cm deep with a 10cm layer of facets at the ground. It was 4Fingers from 10cm to a layer at 35cm and then 4Fingers/Fist from 35cm up. CT 26 with that broke at the 35cm layer and ECTX. Shovel shear test after ECT was at that 35cm layer. The snow seemed pretty solid at the test pit, but then we dropped into the gully and ski cut a small wind slab at a roll over bulge, that was 10-15cm deep along the crown, about 15'-20' wide, that went about 80' or so in a 30-35* gully. So wind slabs, particularly in terrain traps, could be a problem.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates