Observation: Hatcher Pass

Location: Independence mine area

Date:
Observer:
Route & General Observations

Three groups traveled to Cross Hill, Independence Mine, and below Eldorado Bowl

Red Flags
Red flags are simple visual clues that are a sign of potential avalanche danger. Please record any sign of red flags below.
Obvious signs of instability
Recent Avalanches?Yes
Collapsing (Whumphing)?Yes
Cracking (Shooting cracks)?Yes
Observer Comments

Whoomfing and large shooting cracks. Observed recent D2 in Eldorado Bowl (failed to ground), north aspect. Also observed recent D2 in Martin Mine Gully. Naturals on Fishhook creek. Widespread wind loading. Wind loaded test slopes very reactive, producing remote triggered avalanche on test slope below Eldorado Bowl.

Weather & Snow Characteristics
Please provide details to help us determine the weather and snowpack during the time this observation took place.
Weather

Significant snow transport in morning, loading north aspects. Overcast, temps in low 20s.

Snow surface

Variable; soft new snow to pencil hard wind slabs.

Snowpack

Wind slabs on test slopes were reactive to human triggers.
In pits the windslabs generally failed at CT 1-7 (ECTP 8), at new/old snow interface. In CT/ECT's, basal facets generally failed at moderate forces with propagation.

Photos & Video
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