Observation Date
1/27/2019
Observer Name
Derek DeBruin
Region
Ogden » Ben Lomond » Cutler Ridge
Location Name or Route
Ben Lomond, Cutler Ridge
Weather
Sky
Scattered
Weather Comments
Stared the with partly cloudy skies that cleared and began returning by late afternoon. Trailhead was low teens F at 0800, though the 7800ft weather station reported 28F--definitely an inversion. Calm/light winds throughout the tour and at the high ridgelines until the afternoon when ridgeline winds picked up as the new cloud cover moved in. A bit warmer today, probably just above freezing at mid elevation.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Faceted Loose
Wind Crust
Melt-Freeze Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
Still a bit of sheltered soft skiing to be had and mid- and low-elevation, but terrain is getting worked. Surface hoar still widespread from low- and into the mid-elevation band. Surface crusts on solar aspects, variable in strength, though all relatively thin and unsupportable. Snow got progressively more damp throughout the day, but never seriously heavy.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Rapid Warming
Red Flags Comments
Saw some wet activity today from a distance on the south facing slopes of Black Canyon and Island Peak. D1-D2 avalanches in steep terrain, particularly around rock as the day warmed.
Comments
Still moderate today and likely tomorrow, but on the low end of it. Wind effects are pretty easy to see and well bonded/bridged, and solar heating can cause concerns on steeper slopes. Nothing too surprising and manageable with normal caution.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
