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Observation: Cutler Ridge

Observation Date
12/12/2023
Observer Name
Kelly, Kazickas
Region
Ogden » Ben Lomond » Cutler Ridge
Location Name or Route
Cutler Ridge-Ben Lomond Saddle
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Winds were surprisingly calm on Cutler Ridge and Ben Lomond. Temperatures were 29°F at Ben Lomond Peak (7688'). Skies were primarily clear.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Faceted Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments
Snow surface was faceted loose snow with some areas of stiff (pencil hard) wind-drifted snow above 8,000'
Faceted surface conditions Cutler Ridge
Wind-drifted snow on ridge above 8,000'
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
A couple of snow pits on north facing slopes showed total depth of 2.5' at 6980' (north, see pit below), and 4' of snow at 8340' on a northwest facing slope. Both pits showed signs of rounding facets at the ground with weak faceted snow on the surface. The PWL that is 5-10" off the ground was made up of rounding facets. Extended column test results in the snowpit at 6980' were ECTP17 @ 20" (51cm) off the ground which was a layer of facets buried midpack under a pencil hard melt-freeze crust.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
We saw signs of wind-drifted snow and wind-drifted snow avalanches. The avalanche we observed was most likely from a few days ago as the bed surface had filled back in. It failed on a steep north facing slope at 8200'. The avalanche was approximately 150' wide and ran 100' vertical and was approximately 12-16" deep at the crown face. It ran on weak faceted snow above a crust.
Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
6,500'
Slope Angle
24°
Photo of near surface facets and faceted graupel from the surface of snowpit north facing 6980'
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates