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Observation: Cutler Ridge

Observation Date
2/23/2018
Observer Name
Bill Brandt
Region
Ogden » Ben Lomond » Cutler Ridge
Location Name or Route
Cutler Ridge
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Cold light snow with little to no wind.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
12"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments

Light low density snow.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
No cracking or collapsing today. Above the "dead tree" we noted sluffing on a density change about 3 inches from the surface. There were a lot of thin natural sluffs. Skier triggered sluffs ran long distances on a slope if it was steep enough. The new snow was well bonded to the old snow surfaces. No significant wind today. The trees were holding the new snow well. Perhaps there is some buried wind slab. Didn't find it today.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments

Sluffing limited to the top few inches above about 8K elevation.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments

Hasn't reared it's ugly head in the Ben Lomond area, yet.

1. Widespread thin natural sluffing.

2. Partially buried crown of small slide into terrain trap.

3. More sluffing.

Probably moderate danger in most areas. That said I'm not ready to jump onto the face of Ben Lomond any time soon.

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