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Observation: Cutler Ridge

Observation Date
2/24/2019
Observer Name
Skordas and Gagne
Region
Ogden » Ben Lomond » Cutler Ridge
Location Name or Route
Cutler Ridge/Cutler Basin
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Sustained W/SW winds
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
HS ranging from 1.5 - 2.5 meters, likely approaching 3 meters in selected locations. Excellent coverage down to low-elevation trailheads. Widespread wind-affected snow above 7500', with wind-scouring on windward south/southwest aspects, and dense, hard wind drifts on leeward north/northeast aspects. Wind-sheltered terrain holding dense snow.
Rain crust from Feb 14 is 2-5 cms thick down low, and disappears at about 7600'.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Wind Loading
Red Flags Comments
3 natural avalanches noted on north and northeast aspects. These were on leeward aspects and 15-45 cms thick. The largest ran 250' vertical. Two were class 1 (small slides); the third was a 1.5 with dense blocks of hard wind-drifted snow.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Significant wind loading from strong SW winds. Reactive as low as 7600' along the north side of the compass. Photos and videos of wind-loading on leeward (north/northeast) aspects from windward, south/southwest winds.
Comments
Photo below is of a natural avalanche on a N facing slope, from significant wind loading from the SW. Great riding in wind sheltered areas. Outside of wind-affected terrain hazard is Low.
Video
Summary of our field day, highlighting the wind affects at mid and upper elevations
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate