Observation: Cutler Ridge

Observation Date
2/28/2023
Observer Name
Ambler, Stickley
Region
Ogden » Ben Lomond » Cutler Ridge
Location Name or Route
Birthday Bowls
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Strong
Weather Comments
Moderate to strong winds with extreme gusts consistently transporting snow from the west at 6900' on top of bday bowls. I can only imagine what the winds felt like up higher. We decided to stay low elevation today and avoid the wind, skiing the north birthday bowl. We had some light precip at the beginning of our tour around 11 am but it quickly waned off.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
15"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
The Snow was dense but well bonded with the older snow and it rode very well. It was mostly right side up outside of the wind, which was only really in treed gullys. We didn't see any reaction on test slopes or any new avalanches. In a sheltered area at 6300' I measured Ski pen 20cm. Boot pen 80 cm. HS 240 (by my conveniently sized probe).
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Cracking
Red Flags Comments
No new avalanches were observed but visibility was not the best. Light was flat. Cloud ceiling was rising throughout the day eventually showing a bit of Willard and Ben Lomond's summits. These views were more obscured by blowing snow than clouds later in the day.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Winds were absolutely ripping from the west in exposed areas and carrying lots of snow. Lower down winds were still moving at moderate speeds with occasional strong gusts, however the direction was much more random and so was the affect on the snow surface. There is still plenty of snow available for transport and more on the way. Upside down, wind loaded slopes were found in the east facing bowl which we initially planned to descend but changed our minds.
Comments
See observation: rodeo ridge for similar findings. Also please don't park on the private property past the typical Cutler Ridge Trail parking. Pictured below, Stickley fighting the winds and airborne snow @6900'.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates