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Observation: Rodeo Ridge

Observation Date
12/30/2020
Observer Name
brian smith
Region
Ogden » Ben Lomond » Rodeo Ridge
Location Name or Route
rodeo ridge to 7990
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Clear/cold in the am and then overcast/cold with a SW moderate wind
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Faceted Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments
The loose faceted surface snow makes for fast, loud and reasonable turning on the sheltered brush free slopes. Beware of the velcro like oak brush. At the low elevations the steeps slopes started to sluff (yesterday they did not as I was on the same slopes then)
Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Rotten snowpack has been well described. I did not experience any collapsing or cracking up to 8K.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Problem #1 Comments
The PWL is more like the "persistant weak snow pack"! Get off of your skis at 8k and you are standing on the ground in the shelters north areas. I did not experience any red flags other than looking at the large faceted snow pack. The melt freeze crust at 8k is mostly broken down and the lower elevations is persistant and growing even larger facets below.
Comments
Photo of the brushy exit, normally a nice snow covered north slope.
Video
video showing how you can push your pole to the ground at 7800ft north slope through 90cm/~35in of snow. Crazy.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates