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: Hatcher Pass
Location: Base of Frostbite Ridge
I toured to the base of Frostbite Ridge from the mile 10.6 parking lot.(MSB parking lot)
Forecaster Comments
| Trigger | Skier | Remote Trigger | 0 |
| Avalanche Type | Hard Slab | Aspect | North Northeast |
| Elevation | unknown | Slope Angle | unknown |
| Crown Depth | unknown | Width | unknown |
| Vertical Run | unknown |
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.
Obvious signs of instability
| Recent Avalanches? | Yes |
| Collapsing (Whumphing)? | No |
| Cracking (Shooting cracks)? | No |
Weather
8" of new snow at the base of Frostbite Ridge.
Snow surface
8" New Snow
Snowpack
ECTP 26
Layers
IMG_1894
IMG_1895
IMG_1891