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.
Observation: Hatcher Pass
Location: $1000 Run
Took the traditional track on $1000 Run to saddle overlooking April Bowl.
Observer Comments
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.
Avalanche debriis on ridge S. of $1000 Run.
Pit on NE facing slope 0.4 mi NE of VABM Hatch