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Observation: Cutler Ridge

Observation Date
1/8/2017
Observer Name
kory
Region
Ogden » Ben Lomond » Cutler Ridge
Location Name or Route
Cutler Ridge
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Very high precip rates. Drastic change in new snow density between 7,200 ft and 7,800 feet. Below 7,200 kick wax almost needed, Above 7,800 feet soft snow.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
8"
New Snow Density
High
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments

It was very easy to tell where the old snow had blown away and you were walking on old wind crust and areas where the snow is totally upside down and a quick pole probe tells you what lies underneath. Very easy to find hard over soft snow with pole probe.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Cracking
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
6 out of 7 isn't bad!
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments

I am going with storm slab first because on test slopes these were very touchy. I worry that if we do add another 12" of snow these avalanches may not be manageable anymore. You could be more easily coaxed out onto the slab. Right now they break right at your ski tips. These could also step down to one of our buried persistent weak layers also.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments

On exposed ridges I think wind slabs are likely with heavy snow blowing around today.

Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
8,000'
Slope Angle
16°
Comments

Really upside down snow in sheltered areas where the old blower pow did not blow away. These are the areas that I believe are easiest to trigger touchy storm slabs up to 12" deep. Be mindfull of convex rolls and areas that are not usually prone to avalanches where you could be carried into trees, gully or rocks. I think these storm slabs should settle a little over night before the next storm rolls in. The first photo represents what happens when you perk test in deep light snow than it gets really cold than all the 5% snow blows away. I do think this represents how some areas are much more prone to storm slabs than the areas where the light snow blew away.

2. quick snow profile you can see the weak layer that failed on ECTP 13 and 16 SC change from 1F to F.

Video

Avalanche just above summer trail on steep roll. Last photo is a quick crown profile you can see the density change from 4F+ to F

Video, Just what winter ordered more moist flow.

Video

If the snowfall rates would have continued a little longer I would have for sure said it was high this afternoon. But skies cleared here in Ogden. Should be high tomorrow if precip rates are what is forcasted.

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