Observation: Ogden

Observation Date
12/9/2016
Observer Name
kory
Region
Ogden
Location Name or Route
Cutler Ridge
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Moderate winds for this area in exposed places. Also N wind as we left around 4pm
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
10"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Wind Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments

Dense Powder above 7,000 ft, wet below 6,000 ft

Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Cracking
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments

ECT results on old NSF is my biggest concern

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments

They were not touchy today hard to get much out of them. Not stubborn I would just say to soft still.

Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
8,000'
Slope Angle
20°
Comments

Honestly I didn’t really see anything above moderate today, besides the ECT results (ECTP1 SP ECTP4 RP 25 cm down See Videos). This is the same area Derek saw results in the Snowbasin area. This failure is above and below a 1F hardness layer that formed after last storm (11/27-29). Under this layer is F hardness grains that are weak some sort of NSF. This layer is my main concern above 7,500 ft during/post this storm We were able to get little wind pockets to go on very exposed areas with excellent wind loading but nothing really that exciting. We are still missing a great slab on the weak layer from CT (CT9and 11 on the two different layers above crust and below). Pit was near weather station. Went up and stomped on cornices in Bailey Cabin to no avail. Lots of wind as always on the Ben Lomond Shoulder and on the exposed ridge of cutler near dead tree. NO RAIN THOUGH!!!! (But really wet snow at 5,500) I attached a bunch of photos.

Still needs time for the ok skiing cutler ridge exit. Good skiing up high on low angle supportable snow. Looks like we might only get a little bit tonight than turn on tomorrow. With that said, I moved cautiously today, but no real great glaring RED FLAGS besides the ECT results.

1. Wet down Low! Kick wax needed.

2. Localized cracking small not very deep.

3. Biggest pocket on test slope about 12in deep had to really pry out though

4 Bailey Spring getting loaded!!

5. Braught in my DH to break trail. Great low angle surfing

1. CT9 SP

​2. CT11 SP

3. Dirty Pit Wall!! But I think you get the idea, First under 1F

​Video ECTP1 SP -Sorry it is crooked very very wet today!! Hard on phone!!!

Video

ECTP4 RP

Conclusion; really disapointed that could not get much going. Really great pit results. Still am going to take major precaution in travel tomorrow.

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