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Observation: Cutler Ridge

Observation Date
1/9/2021
Observer Name
Allen Denver
Region
Ogden » Ben Lomond » Cutler Ridge
Location Name or Route
Cutler Ridge
Weather
Sky
Scattered
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Sunny, calm day with scattered clouds. Quite cold, especially in shady areas.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Faceted Loose
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
Mixed with surface faceting as well as some wind buff and areas of wind slab starting to form.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Whumpfing and collapsing noted above 7,500 feet as well as increased evidence of wind loading in mid to upper elevations.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Varied layers of fist soft new snow and 4 finger hardness snow on top of fist hard facets on the bottom 20cm.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
As the wind plays with recent storm snow, we are starting to see the formation of wind slabs over the burrows facets from early season snow. (See below photo of wind scouring.)
Video
Reactive and repeatable ECT's today in snow pits. Most fractured on the deeper facets. (See video)
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable