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Observation: Cutler Ridge

Observation Date
2/17/2020
Observer Name
Joe
Region
Ogden » Ben Lomond » Cutler Ridge
Location Name or Route
Cutler area
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Mostly calm winds today, finally, with a light breeze on main ridge-lines. Temps stayed quite cool all day as well.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
8"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Wind Crust
Melt-Freeze Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
The new snow seemed to have a lot of graupel in it and had a lot more body than it did yesterday. Despite what some of the weather stations said there was moderate to very strong winds at mid-elevations all day yesterday, leaving some slopes stripped back down the old crust, and obviously pilling up on others.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Cracking
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Just about checked them all off again today. In our travels yesterday we had collapsing and cracking as well as a few slides all over the compass. Today we found pretty much the same thing just in much more pleasant conditions. Evey where we went today that we hadn't been the day before we had more collapsing and some cracking. As well I heard from a couple of other parties of avalanches today.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
For now, this problem is the new snow sliding on top of the ice crust 8" to 12" deep. It is kind of pockety but if you find it, it will send a pretty good slab downhill.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
Windy conditions, mentioned above from yesterday/night moved a good amount of snow around. Given that any new wind slabs likely formed on top of the already buried persistent weak layer it will only make for larger slabs, and essentially, not heal as quickly.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates