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Observation: Cutler Ridge

Observation Date
12/5/2014
Observer Name
Tim Beaman
Region
Ogden » Ben Lomond » Cutler Ridge
Location Name or Route
Ben Lomond - Cutler Ridge to Upper Weather Station
Weather
Sky
Broken
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Warm air temps in the region on 12/4/14, a good freeze overnight, then warming again as the sun begins to peek through the clouds.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Melt-Freeze Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments

The overnight freeze resulted in the formation of a widespread, supportable melt-freeze crust 1-2 cm. A light layer of surface hoar (2-4 mm) sparkled on this crust in the early morning in areas free of brush but melted as the temperatures warmed.

The snowpack is thin and the grains are somewhat wet below the top 20 cm.

A 10 cm thick basal layer of facets is wet and rounding.

Snow profile coordinates are 41.37572, -111.94446

Red Flags
Red Flags
Rapid Warming
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Rapid warming during the day may produce increased instability in higher elevation steeper slopes where past wind loading resulted in the formation of hard slabs.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments

Avalanche danger rating should be considered moderate in the shady upper elevation steeper slopes with persistent slabs.

Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
7,700'
Slope Angle
30°
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low