Observation: Cutler Ridge

Observation Date
12/15/2022
Observer Name
Crow
Region
Ogden » Ben Lomond » Cutler Ridge
Location Name or Route
Cutler Ridge
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
PWL is out there and pretty easy to find if you start digging in the snow. We experienced a lot of collapsing as soon as we got off of the skin track.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
High winds were easily transporting all the new snow from the recent big storm.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northwest
Elevation
6,800'
Comments
Easy to get collapsing, but couldn't get any small test slopes to react to our weight on the way up the ridge. While waiting for the visibility to get better we decided to kill some time and dig in the snow. Found a pretty unstable snow pack. I personally wouldn't be pushing it in steep terrain just yet. We did witness two skier triggered avalanches (SS-Su-R1-D2-O) later in the day on similar aspects about 1000' vertical feet higher. Low angle meadow skipping is fun.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates