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Observation: Ogden

Observation Date
12/18/2019
Observer Name
Max H.
Region
Ogden
Location Name or Route
Ben Lomond
Weather
Sky
Broken
Wind Direction
South
Wind Speed
Moderate
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
5"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
Dense decomposing powder at upper elevations. Dry recrystallized snow on north aspects at mid and lower elevations. Skiable solar crusts forming on southern aspects in the afternoon.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Red Flags Comments
Active snow transport at upper exposed ridgelines.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
With moderate overnight southerly winds and strong gusts, wind loading was our primary concern.
Test pit-
Elevation: 9550'
Aspect: NNE
Slope: 33 degrees
HS: 128cm
Within our test pit we were able to identify several weak layers, but found them to be stubborn to unreactive, with no propagation noted. Extended column test yielded and ECTN19 @ 24cm down and ECTN26 @ 39cm down.
A conservative descent was still made, sticking to windward sides of sub-ridges that were less prone to cross loading. Because of this it is still hard for me to rule out the possiblility of triggering a lingering wind slab.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
Observations of basal facets yielded simalr findings to Hardesty/Trenbeath/Wewer 12/16 observation. Facets were rounding and unreactive in our stability tests.
Comments
Overall great ski quality! Dry loose sloughing was minimal. The temperature inversion was quite noticeable upon descent. Consequently, surface hoar was most notable present on N aspects at mid to lower elevations.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates