Observation Date
12/25/2021
Observer Name
Hardesty
Region
Ogden » Ben Lomond » Cutler Ridge
Location Name or Route
Cutler Ridge
Weather
Sky
Few
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Strong
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
8"
New Snow Density
High
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
Excellent skiing on fast and surfy graupel. Some wind crust thrown in to keep you honest.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Cracking
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
LOTS of wind. Ridgetop winds appeared to be westerly but mid-elevations winds alternately blew southerly and then northerly; at times building and then eroding small cornices.
Surprised to not see evidence of avalanche activity on the Ben Lomond headwall north to Willard. Suspicion is that wind slab and/or avalanches stepping down to the PWL naturally occurred the last couple of days but winds have obliterated the evidence.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Problem #1 Comments
PWL was found at the elevation of the BL snotel site (~7700') and into the higher elevations. At 8150', the October PWL was buried 50cm. The PWL was 5cm thick resting on a 2cm crust with facets below. I experienced a crack and collapse at this elevation and found ECTP26 at this location. No other c/c noted in my travels.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Problem #2 Comments
Extensive wind even to the mid/low elevation bands but little transport noted with the graupel. Still, one imagines some wind drifts along the higher elevations. Note plumes and snow devils up high. I did note a lone coyote traversing with intention along the lower portion of the headwall.
Comments
One of the best views around.
Snag has fallen across the luge run access trail.
Lower elevations have roughly 50cm snow depth with 20cm of new snow (mostly graupel) sitting on a 3cm mf crust. Below that isothermal. This crust disappears around 7000'; presumably the previous rain/snow line.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
None
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
None
