Join us at our 2nd Annual Blizzard Ball
Ad
The National Forest Service Logo
icon-add Observation
Forecasts
Logan Ogden Salt Lake Provo Uintas Skyline Moab Abajos Weather Archives How to read the forecast
Observations & Avalanches
Submit Observation Observations Explorer All Observations Avalanches Fatalities Weather Place Names Map Archives
Education
Avalanche Class List UAC Class List Online Classes Resources and Tutorials Avalanche Awareness Develop Skills
Events
Store
About
Contact Who we are Core Values Staff Board of Directors Past Forecasters Sponsors Annual Reports Sign In
Blog
icon-add Observation
Donate / Join

Observation: Cutler Ridge

Observation Date
1/7/2025
Observer Name
Noah Sievers
Region
Ogden » Ben Lomond » Cutler Ridge
Location Name or Route
Cutler Ridge
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
East
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
The early morning consisted of cold temperatures, especially in shaded valleys, and calm conditions at low elevations. Low level clouds quickly burned off Ben Lomond Peak, with lingering clouds moving at strong speeds from East to West. Light Eastern winds, gusting moderate at times were felt above 8000ft by 1100. Moderate snow transport was noted along the ridgeline of Baileys Cabin, Ben Lomond and Willard Peak, however, mid-elevation slopes were sheltered from active transport from 0700-1200. Locations of previously formed cornices on typically leeward slopes appeared to be the most prominent locations for Eastern wind excavation and snow transport.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
2"
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Melt-Freeze Crust
Rain-Rime Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
We traveled SE-E-NE-N slopes between 5600-8300ft. All snow surfaces had a degree of faceting that likely occurred overnight, with the largest Surface Hoar (SH) found above 8000ft at 2-6mm. Below 7500ft, 1-2" of recent snow sits atop of rain crust, with rain runnels still visually present - HS in low elevations hovered around 50-80cm. Above 8000ft in sheltered areas, there was 2-6" of recent new snow atop of a faceting out, 4F (four finger) crust - HS hovering around 100-140cm. Select northern slopes directly below the saddle of Cutler Ridge (where low level clouds/moisture lingered overnight) had a prominent rime crust resting on top of the recent new snow. With quick hasty pits and probing along Cutler Ridge, the PWL is generally buried 40-80cm down with the upper snowpack consisting of 4F (four finger) trending 1F+ (1 finger plus) towards the weak snow interface. The PWL consists of 2-4mm Facets at generally 4F (four finger) hardness. No collapses or shooting cracks were observed. Snow surfaces were supportable and easy to travel on.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
The recent Bed Lomond headwall avalanche and its associated crown could still be seen, but has likely been drifted in since its occurrence on the 28th or 29th of Dec. See avalanche problems for more info.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
The PWL and it's inherently weak structure still exists in all the suspected aspects and elevations, yet the alarming tell-tale signs such as collapsing, shooting cracks and recent avalanches were not present today. The dragon still remains, yet immediate signs of instability are becoming increasingly less obvious. Eastern winds now have the opportunity to load high-elevation Western aspects, which could further stress locations above 8500ft where the PWL is present.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
Western aspects above 8500ft, specifically at and directly below ridgeline were experiencing snow transport throughout our time in the field. Elevations below ridgeline were rather sheltered, with no notable snow transport from the Eastern winds at elevations below 8500ft from 0700-1200. Eastern winds are unusual, and with its persistence into tomorrow afternoon, the distribution of wind-drifted snow could reach western aspects and semi-leeward, raised terrain features at mid-elevations.
Comments
The riding and skiing was fantastic in low-angle terrain, you just gotta poke around!
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates