Observation Date
1/5/2020
Observer Name
Megan & Bill Brandt
Region
Ogden » Ben Lomond » Cutler Ridge
Location Name or Route
Cutler Ridge
Weather
Sky
Broken
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Wind Direction
Northeast
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Wind was calm at the start of the tour around 9:45am and picked up around 12:45pm when the snow began to fall at about an inch per hour. Winds started out of the southwest and shifted to the northeast before the snow started.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
2"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
Wind crust was present on ridges along the skin track. Wind protected areas held powder.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Red Flags Comments
Wind loaded snow on northwest and north facing slopes from New Years day was observed. A quick pit at 7,800ft on a 26 degree north facing slope had a higher density layer (1F) on top of a lower density layer (F). ECT6, no propagation, on the old/new snow interface about 20cm from the snow surface. A shovel shear test resulted in a Q1 sheer. No red flags were observed at lower elevations in wind protected areas. There were strong winds and heavy snowfall in the early afternoon. Chose to stay in lower elevation, wind protected areas due to winds over the past couple of days and winds forecasted today.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Continued winds and snowfall today can perpetuate this avalanche problem.
Comments
A quick pit at 7,800ft on a 26 degree north facing slope had a higher density layer (1F) on top of a lower density layer (F). ECT6, no propagation, on the old/new snow interface about 20cm from the snow surface. A shovel sheer test resulted in a Q1 sheer.
Video
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
