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Observation: Cutler Ridge

Observation Date
12/26/2016
Observer Name
Bill Brandt
Region
Ogden » Ben Lomond » Cutler Ridge
Location Name or Route
Cutler ridge
Weather
Sky
Scattered
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Ben Lomond mostly in the clouds all day. Southern exposures were warm and damp. Wind moving snow and forming sensitive slabs.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
20"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Wind Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments

Dense wind pack in exposed areas. Best snow at lower elevation in protected areas.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Wind Loading
Cracking
Collapsing
Red Flags Comments
New snow bonded well to old rain crust. Wind slabs were sensitive and felt hollow. They collapsed and cracked on low angle slopes. I dropped 4 inches with collapse as I stepped on one wind pillow.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments

Yep they are out there. Watch for them. More wind and any new snow will worsen this problem.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wet Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments

Saw a probable wet slab on lower elevation sun exposed slope.

Comments

Multiple hand pits revealed a good bond between new and old snow surfaces in areas unaffected by wind.

1-Cracking in wind slab.

2-Wet slab.

Considerable, maybe high danger on high elevation wind loaded slopes. Moderate hazard in wind sheltered areas.

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