Observation: Hatcher Pass

Location: April Bowl

Date:
Observer:
Route & General Observations

Toured a little west of April bowl. Snow surface is variable with different solar, wind, loading on every aspect. Did a couple runs on a steep, true north facing slope. Put 8 skiers down the slope, and the only moving snow was slough. Snow surface was about 5″ of ski penetration in light dry snow with progressively denser snow below.

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

Some shooting cracks when crossing a small, steep, west facing, shaded, wind loaded slope @ about 3300'. Snow surface was stiff. Triggered small 1m x 1m slabs as we walked across. Of the whole day, this small 20m long section was the only place we saw cracking or red flags.

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

Mostly clear, sunny, light winds everywhere, moderate winds on ridge tops. About -2 celcius.