Observation: Cutler Ridge

Observation Date

12/29/2025

Observer Name

Matt Barry

Region

Ogden » Ben Lomond » Cutler Ridge

Location Name or Route

Cutler Ridge

Weather

Sky

Clear

Weather Comments

It was great to finally be cold, but not too cold, in the mountains.

Snow Characteristics

New Snow Depth

New Snow Density

Low

Snow Surface Conditions

Powder

Snow Characteristics Comments

New snow depths from the most recent storm ranged from 1" at 6,000 ft to 5" at 7,800 ft. I'll take what we can get. The new snow was low density, sitting on top of the supportable and stout Christmas Eve Rain Crust.

I found large surface hoar in refrigerator canyon, up to 12mm in size. Surface hoar was abundant throughout my tour up to the weather station, although smaller in size outside of refrigerator canyon. If these cold temps and clear nights continue, it will make our next snowfall interesting.

Red Flags

Poor Snowpack Structure

Red Flags Comments

No red flags were observed other than our poor snowpack structure.

Avalanche Problem #1

Problem

New Snow

Trend

Same

Problem #1 Comments

Although it's been a few days since our new snow, the Christmas Eve Rain Crust provides the perfect bed surface for this new snow to run far and wide.

Avalanche Problem #2

Problem

Persistent Weak Layer

Trend

Same

Problem #2 Comments

In the areas that I dug in, the 10cm of snow below the two crusts that formed with high temps and rain was comprised of weak and wet facets. In the areas I dug, the crust was strong and supportable for the new snow and myself. I don't expect this to be the case everywhere.

Comments

1) Surface hoar in Refrigerator Canyon

2) Evidence of wind drifted snow, winds from the NNE

3) Snow pit at 7,000ft, E facing terrain

Today's Observed Danger Rating

Moderate

Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating

Moderate

Coordinates

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