Avalanche: Hatcher Pass

Location: Base of Frostbite Ridge

Date:
Observer:
Route & General Observations

I toured to the base of Frostbite Ridge from the mile 10.6 parking lot.(MSB parking lot)

Contact, Location & General Observations
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Forecaster Comments

This avalanche was observed from the Frostbite area with binos, after the incident occurred. The avalanche occurred on the NE face of 4068'. The following is what is to be understood by the observer and HPAC. It appears that the two skiers were travelling across the slope when they triggered the avalanche 40 feet above them. This is indicative of a persistent weak layer culprit. The skiers appeared to have been partially buried, and performed self-rescue, and were seen leaving the scene. Size of the avalanche and depth have not been confirmed. No other information is available .

Avalanche Details
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Trigger SkierRemote Trigger0
Avalanche Type Hard SlabAspect North Northeast
ElevationunknownSlope Angleunknown
Crown DepthunknownWidthunknown
Vertical Rununknown  
Avalanche Details

When I arrived at the HAX parking lot after making my snow observation, I noticed an avalanche on what I believe to be the NE Aspect of 4811. I noticed a couple of skiers performing what I thought to be a search and notified the authorities. It looked like the Avalanche was triggered by a skin track.

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
Weather & Snow Characteristics
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Weather

8" of new snow at the base of Frostbite Ridge.

Snow surface

8" New Snow

Snowpack

ECTP 26

Photos & Video
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