Observation: Cutler Ridge

Observation Date
2/7/2024
Observer Name
Derek DeBruin
Region
Ogden » Ben Lomond » Cutler Ridge
Location Name or Route
Ben Lomond, Cutler Ridge
Weather
Weather Comments
Disappointingly warm--37F--at the trailhead at 0830. Snow started to fall around 0930, rimed stellars and wind-affected particles that accumulated about 7 or 8cm by 1230. Wind began calm/light, picked up a bit with the start of the snow, and really turned on around 1000, out of the SW. Above 7500ft winds were consistently 30mph or greater, but markedly diminished below this elevation (as did precipitation intensity).
Snow Characteristics
Snow Characteristics Comments
Snow surface was wet, with squishy and grabby riding below about 7800ft (albeit topped with a bit of new snow). In exposed locations, wind effect was obvious and rapid, with plenty of AST and 4F to 1F slab formation happening quite quickly.
Comments
<p>Below about 6000ft, snowpack was wet throughout with HS of 1.2-1.4m. The Feb 2 crust interface materialized around 6100ft or so, about 20cm down. This depth grew to nearly 60cm down at 7800ft. The crusty interface seemed to disappear around 7000ft and reappeared by 7500ft. In general, the crust was not very strong and was decomposing, with waist deep boot pen through the crust at 7800ft.</p>
<p> Dug at 7800ft NE about 1m down (below the Feb 2 interface), with HS 2.5m. ECTX with little other results to note. Some broken fracturing on density changes on shovel shear, but the Feb 2 slab seems pretty well bonded to the interface at this point, with F down to 4F snow, damp, and of relatively high density. Given all of the above plus a very thin and delicate surface crust this morning, I think it's fair to say the rain/snow line has been at least as high as 7800ft. The snow seemed dry enough by 8000ft that I'm not confident rain occurred recently at that elevation.
</p>
Today's Observed Danger Rating
None
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
None