Snowpack

Observation: Ben Lomond

brian smithOgden
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Quick report

Red Flags
Recent Avalanches, Heavy Snowfall, Rapid Warming
Red Flags Comment
<p>The only recent activity I saw was within the new snow on the Ben Lomond ridge line (see photo)</p>

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!

Snowpack

Instability Comment
<p>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. </p> <p>Up high there are hollow wind slabs but again they seem to be behaving themselves with test slope ski cuts and jumps.</p>

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)