Observation: Hatcher Pass

Location: $1000 run/Hatch Peak

Date:
Observer:
Joe Kurtak
Route & General Observations

Skied up the Hatcher Pass Rd to just below the Pass. Due to uncertain snow and poor viz retreated and skied up $1000 run to base of Hatch Pk. Had flat light conditions and intermittent snowfall throughout the day. Made for challenging skiing. No whumping on $1000. Estimate that 15-25 cm fell in the past 48 hrs with no sign of wind transport.

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?No
Collapsing (Whumphing)?Yes
Cracking (Shooting cracks)?No
Observer Comments

We experienced whumping and settlement on several occasions at around the 3400 ft level between the Hatcher Pass rd and the Hatcher Creek bottom. Saw no signs of recent avalanches though visibility was poor due to whiteout and flat light conditions. No whumphing on $1000.

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

Flat light and intermittent snowfall throughout the day. No wind.

Snow surface

Estimate that approx 15-25 cm new light snow fell in the last 48 hrs.

Snowpack

At hasty pit site at 3400 ft and just north of Hatcher Ck, found 15 cm new low density snow on top of a 10 cm m/f crust. Facets below that to bottom of pit which was 91 cm deep. Tests gave CT5 for new fist snow on pencil m/f crust. CTN for the rest of the test. Seems that the upper layers and facets do not have a surface to slide on at least to the 91 cm depth of this hasty pit.

Location
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