Observation: Cutler Ridge

Observation Date
1/25/2019
Observer Name
Jonathan Melton
Region
Ogden » Ben Lomond » Cutler Ridge
Location Name or Route
Cutler Ridge
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Cracking
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
We found lots of wind scoured snow ~7700'. The wind appeared to be coming from the north, but left piles in some unexpected places. While traversing along a northern aspect in the trees one of our party broke a small (~4in deep) slide that moved about two feet.
Comments
Lots of wind scouring and drifting at mid and high elevations. The photo below was taken just below Dead Tree Knob and shows scouring from the North.
We dug a small pit ~7700' on a sheltered Northern aspect looking for a weak layer and didn't find anything too convincing. The snow was right side up, going from fist hardness at the surface down to finger within 20cm. We did find a bed surface ~30cm deep. It seemed stable, but a bit of un-scientific pounding on the snow got it to shear. It's possibly the layer between the last two storms.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates