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Observation: Cutler Ridge

Observation Date
12/30/2022
Observer Name
Derek DeBruin, KJ, CV
Region
Ogden » Ben Lomond » Cutler Ridge
Location Name or Route
Ben Lomond, Cutler Ridge
Weather
Weather Comments
Temps were upper 20s F at trailhead at 0800am. Winds were light until about 6400ft at which point they were about 20-30mph, increasing to consistent 30-40mph winds as we increased elevation to about 8000ft. We experienced stronger gusts as well. Wind transported snow was abundant. Snow came down at perhaps 3-5cm/hr, readily refilling the skin track between laps.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
By the time we headed back to the trailhead around 130pm, there had been about 15cm of accumulated new snow, making for generally soft turns. However, the snow surface was continually becoming wind affected, leading to higher snow density on the surface (or vert hard surface in scoured locations).
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Red Flags Comments
New snow was forming cohesive soft slabs that failed easily on test slopes. Wind was creating wind slabs on the surface as well, 4F trending to 1F, also cracking on the surface and in test slopes. However, noted no cracking or collapsing otherwise.
Comments
Dug on a NW aspect at 7650ft. Found easy shears at the interfaces beneath both the most recent (12/30) and previous (12/27-28) storm snow. This was consistent with surface slab failures on test slopes noted above. ECTX. A shear on the column after the test failed at the ground. This was consistent with another nearby pit with ECTX result.
Basal facets were 4F, a bit stronger than last time I was in this zone about a week ago. Facets were "snowball" damp, but not dripping wet.
At lower elevations, hand pits revealed a firm, frozen surface beneath the new snow, then a whole bunch of wet/saturated snow beneath that, all the way down the dirt.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
None
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
None
Coordinates