Observation: Cutler Ridge

Observation Date
4/14/2022
Observer Name
Joe
Region
Ogden » Ben Lomond » Cutler Ridge
Location Name or Route
Cutler area
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Strong
Weather Comments
Strong winds on exposed ridge lines with lots of wind loading, otherwise light and variable with occasional gusts. light morning snow showers stopped around 1030, then moderate snow started around 1700 as well as stronger southeast winds on my last lap.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
16"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments
Decent powder above about 7800 feet, below that was pretty wet, especially in the afternoon. Wind scoured in exposed terrain.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Cracking
Red Flags Comments
1.5" of water in the last 3 days, shooting cracks and small wind slabs on test slopes.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
The few glimpses I got of the upper elevation ridge lines had large plumes of spindrift. Even the upper part of Cutler Ridge had quite a bit of wind loading. With winds picking up and possibly shifting this afternoon wind slabs will likely become more widespread. I didn't venture onto the highest ridge lines today but I would guess there is a significant wind slab problem up there.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Same
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable