Observation: Cutler Ridge

Observation Date
3/6/2018
Observer Name
brian smith
Region
Ogden » Ben Lomond » Cutler Ridge
Location Name or Route
cutler ridge to 8500ft.
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
North
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
bluebird day in the mountains, no wind
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
3"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments

Nice surface conditions with excellant turning above 7200ft, cold dry powder with some soft slab in the exposed areas. At 8300 feet I found 169 cm (66 in.). Below 7000 ft. the coverage is still very sparse. We got missed with the last storm!

Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
I saw no red flags, but digging pits reveals the persistant poor pack down deep. The wind slab in the areas I was seems content to stay where it is.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Problem #1 Comments

The place got wind hammered but covered by about three inches. The wind slab did not seem very sensitive

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

I was able to break out a slab on top of a crust at 30 inches. (see photo). While it is required 28 wacks, it propagated nicely. See photo of crust with fist density faceted snow below.

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