Observation: Hatcher Pass

Location: $1000 Run

Date:
Observer:
Route & General Observations

Took the traditional track on $1000 Run to saddle overlooking April 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.
Observer Comments

Observed several recent point releases on S. facing slope of Skyscraper Mtn. Last major avalanche cycle occurred 3/27 - 3/29/16. During this cycle a large avalanche ran down the north facing slope of the ridge just south of $1000. Debris came within 50 ft of traditional $1000 uptrack on bench crest.

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

Day started with mostly sunny skies. Clouds moved in during the pm. Winds calm in am. W@3-5 at 4,000 ft in pm.

Snow surface

Lower mtn contained unsupportable crust base covered by 1-3 in loose snow. Crust transitioned to loose snow with 40 cm BP at 4350 ft. Observed fine surface hoar attached to loose snow particles all the way up mtn. Surface hoar starting to round later in day due to sun effects. Evidence of old rain runnels on lower mtn.

Snowpack

Did pit 4350 ft on NE facing slope 0.4 mi NE of VABM Hatch. Got CT16@60cmQ2 on what appears to be buried rounding surface hoar layer. Pit located 0.3 mi W of large avalanche that occurred sometime between 3/27 - 2/29/16.

Photos & Video
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