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Observation: Cutler Ridge

Observation Date
1/4/2017
Observer Name
Derek DeBruin
Region
Ogden » Ben Lomond » Cutler Ridge
Location Name or Route
Ben Lomond, Cutler Ridge
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Temperatures were fairly warm, just below freezing at the trailhead. Precipitation was constant throughout the day, varying in rates of S1 to S4, generally in the S2-3 range. All precipitation we observed was graupel, decreasing somewhat in size and density as elevation increased. Winds were initially light at lower elevations, increasing with elevation. Winds were consistently moderate at mid elevations with regular strong gusts; by late afternoon, winds were also moderate at low elevations. Visible, significant snow transport occurred throughout the day including large plumes on mid-elevation ridges, wind rippling on the snow surface, and obvious scouring on windward aspects with attendant loading and soft wind slab formation on lee aspects.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
8"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
There were approximately 4" of new snow present at low elevations around 1030 this morning. By our ski out at 1600, additional snowfall brought the new snow depth to 8" or perhaps more. The ice crust is under approximately 60cm of F to 4F snow in protected locations. Snow immediately adjacent to the crust both above and below was decomposing and mixed forms--the facets appear to be rounding some. Below the mid-pack crust was additional 1F snow to the ground crust. New snowfall was quite dense and surface density increased throughout the day with wind loading and increasing precipitation. In sheltered locations, we found powder, but generally skied punchy, dense snow with the occasional bit of wind buff.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
There were no major red flags during our tour, but as winds increased throughout the day and as snowfall continues overnight, hard wind slab could easily develop atop a significant amount of low-density snow. However, during today's tour, we encountered moderate avalanche hazard at low and mid elevations.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Wind-loading occurred throughout the day and will likely continue overnight, leading to much harder slabs than we saw today.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
There's still plenty of potential for soft slabs and sluffs in the New Year's snowfall as well as the additional snowfall today and overnight.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable