Observation Date
3/6/2015
Observer Name
brian smith
Region
Ogden » Ben Lomond
Location Name or Route
cutler ridge to 8500 ft.
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
very calm blue bird day
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
The winds from yesterday did not mess things up very much. The new snow has settled to about 12-14 inches and is sitting on a firm one inch thick melt freeze crust below 8000K making for nice turning. The sun is taking its toll on the east slopes especially below 7K. The north slopes have awesome dry powder even down to 6500ft (if you can find a place with coverage that low)
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Heavy Snowfall
Rapid Warming
Red Flags Comments
The only recent activity I saw was within the new snow on the Ben Lomond ridge line (see photo)
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wet Snow
Problem #1 Comments
On the sunny slopes below 7K the snow is wet and at 2pm I could get the surface moving slightly in places. I am sure this will increase tomorrow with increasing temps.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Problem #2 Comments
Up high there are hollow wind slabs but again they seem to be behaving themselves with test slope ski cuts and jumps.
Comments
The biggest hazard today seemed to be the nine moose that were browsing on the ridge from Cutler to the birthday bowls. Yes nine spread out along a half mile. I saw 12 total today. You may need more than a beacon and shovel!
first photo: shallow slides off of the main Ben Lomond ridge. second photo: 1/4 of the moose seen today!
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
