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Observation: Cutler Ridge

Observation Date
12/24/2014
Observer Name
Tim Beaman
Region
Ogden » Ben Lomond » Cutler Ridge
Location Name or Route
Ben Lomond - Cutler Ridge to Upper Weather Station
Weather
Sky
Few
Wind Direction
South
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Moderate gusty wind was transporting snow (from graupel layer from end of last storm sitting above the rain crust) in the mid-upper elvations.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments

The 10 cm or so of graupel sitting atop the burly rain crust from the last storm was being worked by the wind in to a patch-work of exposed, slick crust and pockets of wind transported snow making skiing rather challenging.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Snow transport taking place at the higher elevations is producing some fresh, sensitive winds slabs. The rain crust has locked up the snowpack for now, but the underlying poor structure still exists.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments

Considerable hazard from Fresh wind slabs lurking in the higher elevations especially below the ridgeline. Increasing hazard during the upcoming storm event predicted for Xmas day.

Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
7,800'
Slope Angle
28°

Rain runnels on lower elevation slope.

Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable