Observation: Cutler Ridge

Observation Date
3/17/2019
Observer Name
Trenbeath, Davis
Region
Ogden » Ben Lomond » Cutler Ridge
Location Name or Route
Cutler Ridge to Ben Lomond summit
Weather
Sky
Few
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Beautiful calm and sunny day with a few high clouds. Temps were in the teens at the trailhead when we started, and in the 30's when we finished around 1:00.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Faceted Loose
Wind Crust
Melt-Freeze Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
Pretty much saw it all out there today as is typical for spring several days after the last snowfall. Snow surface is becoming loose and faceted on upper elevation, northerly aspects, and wind crusts are even breaking down. This made for surprisingly good skiing, but will also be something to pay attention to when new snow falls on top. Additionally, the snow was getting so loose, that it was possible to trigger, dry sluffs, or facet-lanches. They weren't of particular concern and tended to eat themselves up pretty quickly, but folks getting into more radical terrain could possibly get swept over a cliff if they weren't paying attention.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wet Snow
Problem #1 Comments
Daytime heating continues to warrant mention of loose, wet avalanches though we didn't observe any recent activity. We were out of the mountains by around 1:00 p.m. Saw lots of evidence of a significant wet cycle on steep, south facing slopes, but it appeared to be several days, or even up to a week old, when storm snow was rapidly warmed.
Avalanche danger is generally Low, increasing to Moderate as the day heats up.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate