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Observation: Cutler Ridge

Observation Date
12/18/2020
Observer Name
Paul LaStayo
Region
Ogden » Ben Lomond » Cutler Ridge
Location Name or Route
Cutler Ridge (below tree line)
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Midday Wx NO, scattered sky, light wind N.
HN24=8-10" low density storm snow described as powder and wind crust. Today beginnings of slab formation due to overnight SW winds and just above freezing temp bonding activity.
Collapsing just off skin track even at low elevations (6500-7000'). Ski penetration (25cm) thru new snow to PWL. Direct reports from higher elevations (>8k') = widespread cracking. Low angle turning snow excellent at slow speeds and heightened awareness to avoid thin snowpack obstacles.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
Several hasty pits b/w 6500-7500' across NW thru NE aspects and slopes >35deg expose the chronic poor structure with "lemons" (soft SS atop shallow snowpack, on thin weak layer, facetted grains). Couple this with smooth shearing (Q2) at the WL = kept to low elevations for turns and attentive to slope angles including atop convexities and traps below.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates