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Observation: Ben Lomond

Observation Date
4/3/2021
Observer Name
Derek DeBruin
Region
Ogden » Ben Lomond
Location Name or Route
Ben Lomond
Weather
Weather Comments
Warm (unsurprisingly). Just a few degrees below freezing at the trailhead around 7am, though the mid-mountain weather station was in the high 40s F at that point. A few wisps of cirrus up high, and consistent SW wind, generally moderate, occasional gusts to strong on the summit ridgeline.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
Snow surface had about 3" of refreeze with the clear skies overnight. Consistent wind helped maintain a somewhat cool snow surface despite the rapidly warming temps. However, the warm air and strong sunshine had fully won the battle against the wind by noon. At that point boot pen was ankle deep and rollerballs ran in lockstep with each ski turn. Seemed a good time to bail.
By midday the snow surface was consistently damp, mashed potato skiing, and quite grabby in places. A good time for both skin and ski wax.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Rapid Warming
Red Flags Comments
Obviously rapid warming today. Recent natural wet avalanche cycle at high elevation (picture of slides beneath Willard below); unsure of precise timing. Avalanches were present on E-S-W slopes in the steep and high terrain.
Comments
A couple other bits of beta. A few cornices linger, but most have now dropped. This debris is still around in places, so I imagine the warm up dropped these, and I would be quite suspicious of any cornices still hanging on.
The road from the gate is starting to melt out, and walking is now mandatory for several hundred feet unless you need an excuse to buy new skins.
Solar aspects at low/mid elevations are rapidly losing snow. Island Peak is a mess. The Birthday Bowls are now half brown, half white. Season looks to be coming to a close in a hurry.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
None
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
None