Observation Date
1/18/2017
Observer Name
brian smith
Region
Ogden » Ben Lomond
Location Name or Route
rodeo ridge to cutler ridge to birthday bowls
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Strong
Weather Comments
Strong SW winds above 7000 ft. in the Rodeo ridge area and absolutely no wind on Cutler ridge up to 8500 ft. This was so strange, less than a mile apart and the difference was night and day with wind and wind slab.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Faceted Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments
The facets have been blown away in the Rodeo ridge area down to 7000. The Cutler ridge area is still with great turning on the surface hoar.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Red Flags Comments
Low danger on Cutler and moderate to the south with the wind loading.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Very sensitive wind slab in the areas that had the SW wind. See photo. These were in the 4-8 inch range.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Problem #2 Comments
Does not seem to be a problem now.
Comments
1. photo of sensitive wind slab in the Rodeo ridge area.
2. same
Skied the birthday bowls for the 30th year on January 18th. One of the best turning years but the most tracks I have ever seen by at least a factor of four!
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
