Observation Date
12/23/2019
Observer Name
Gagne/Duvernay
Region
Ogden » Ben Lomond » Cutler Ridge
Location Name or Route
Ben Lomond - Cutler Ridge
Comments
Winds the past several days have created challenging traveling and riding conditions. Many windward ridgelines have been stripped bare of snow, with sastrugi and stout wind slabs left behind on the lee aspects. Although these wind slabs were unresponsive to stability tests today, I would not be surprised to find a sensitive pocket where a shallow slab (10-15 cms/4-6") could break out. These would generally be on aspects facing north through east at the mid and upper elevations.
Photos illustrating:
- structure of stout wind slab over loose, facets;
- windward south/southwest aspects stipped bare of snow;
- the current snow surface at many low and mid elevations.
Hazard is generally Low, except at the mid and upper elevations on leeward aspects where a stout, pocket of wind-drifted snow could be responsive.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate