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Observation: Cutler Ridge

Observation Date
1/5/2020
Observer Name
Ben
Region
Ogden » Ben Lomond » Cutler Ridge
Location Name or Route
Cutler Ridge
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
The morning started calm and cold at the trailhead. As we worked up the ridge it felt warmer significantly. As we approached 8500' it was cold and windy. The wind steadily picked up to heavy winds at the time we left descended below 8000'
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
3"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
Most surfaces above 8000' were wind crust. Even the protected slopes had a thin wind skin on them. We decided to descend to lower elevation in hopes of finding better snow. Below 7500' NE-NW aspects were softer with various crusts intermixed. New snow was helping. Wind was blowing new snow.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Red Flags Comments
Lots of blowing snow today.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
As this storm brought new snow available for transport and heavy winds I would be on the look out for new wind slab formation and loading of stubborn old wind slabs becoming reactive.
Video
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates