Avalanche: Hatcher Pass

Location: Archangel Rd/Snow Bird

Date:
Observer:
L Seale
Route & General Observations

Took the typical up-route to the Snowbird hut. All south facing aspects with rocks exposed are heating and have wet slides/point release avalanches filling the gullies. Early morning hours provides firm icy conditions that transform quickly with the afternoon sun.

Avalanche Details
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Trigger NaturalRemote Trigger0
Avalanche Type Wet Loose SnowAspect South
Elevation 3000ftSlope Angle 40deg
Crown DepthunknownWidth 40ft
Vertical Run 200ft  
Avalanche Details

3:20 pm we heard and saw a wet slide from the wall facing south behind the Snowbird Hut, starting high from rocks. Also, on the exit this morning we crossed ~8 avalanche debris piles, as opposed to the 3 we crossed on Tuesday morning.

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

Rapid warming in the afternoons, isothermal snow on south facing aspects

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

Clear sunny, below freezing temps the hut elevation.

Snow surface

Approach: Isothermal snow or 1-2" slush on hard pack. Snowbird Glacier: 3-4" soft snow with surface hoar on top of firm snow.

Location
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