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Observation: Cutler Ridge

Observation Date
12/19/2016
Observer Name
Megan Brandt, Bill Brandt, Lee Fortin
Region
Ogden » Ben Lomond » Cutler Ridge
Location Name or Route
Cutler Ridge
Weather
Sky
Scattered
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Wind was transporting significant amounts of snow creating wind slabs that were sensitive to ski cuts.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
3"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Wind Crust
Rain-Rime Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments

3-4" of low density snow on a very firm rain crust. Wind loading created breakable wind crust on N-NE aspects.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Wind Loading
Cracking
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Multiple slides off of Willard Peak and Black mountain. Wind was transporting lots of snow and loading lee slopes, even at mid elevations. Cracking occured where wind crust was forming and natural cracks were observed from mid storm in the ice crust layer. One layer roughly 80cm from the surface collapsed without failure on the backcut of the ECT. That and another layer roughly 55cm from the surface failed with the sheer test.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments

Moderate winds were creating wind slabs that were sensitive to ski cuts. More likely to be a problem at higher elevations and on ridge lines. The lower elevation wind slabs seemed to be manageable. Danger would be expected to increase if winds continue.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments

Somewhat difficult to predict how previously mentioned weak layers will react with the stout rain crust appearing to lock snow in place.

Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
7,800'
Slope Angle
26°
Comments

After initial collapse without failure on the backcut there were no additional failures or propagation on ECT.

Danger level was considerable for wind loaded slopes above 8,000 ft and moderate elsewhere.

Very difficult to skin on all steep slopes, especially where the wind scoured the snow to the crust. Crampons recommended.

Video

1. Weak layer that collapsed with backcut

​2. Natural avalanches off south/southeast face of Willard Peak

3. Natural crack in rain crust

4. Spindrift off Ben Lomond peak

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