Observation Date
12/4/2023
Observer Name
Hardesty and Little
Region
Ogden » Ben Lomond » Cutler Ridge
Location Name or Route
Cutler Ridge
Comments
We noted one "fresh" natural avalanche from likely Sunday in steep wind drifted terrain lee to the Cutler Ridge proper. Zack's post of this avalanche is HERE>
Other avalanches were noted off the Ben Lomond headwall that appeared to be size 2 or less but they had been significantly blown in. Visibility was poor, however.
In general, basal facets and crusts exist on shady slopes above about 8000' and are generally buried 3' deep or more. The facets were 4F and damp down low and 4F up high and not that weak overall. The slab above is exceptionally dense and it would seem difficult to trigger an avalanche in most locations without a large trigger. Warmth and settlement in the high density snow has rapidly improved stability in the new snow and wind drifted snow.
Would have called it the low end of Considerable today based on our outing.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
None
Coordinates