| Trigger | Unknown | Remote Trigger | Unknown |
| Avalanche Type | Unknown | Aspect | Unknown |
| Elevation | unknown | Slope Angle | unknown |
| Crown Depth | unknown | Width | unknown |
| Vertical Run | unknown |
Avalanche: Hatcher Pass
Location: Bennet's Ridge (Hatch Peak) and MicroDot
Toured and dug on Bennet’s Ridge (Hatch Peak). Toured MicroDot (South and North).
General plan was to:
1. assess wind slab problem from wind event on 2/24-25
2. examine persistent slab
3. find minimally wind effected snow for maximum skiing enjoyment
Avalanche Details
Rae Wallace Avalanche (lookers left of Bootpack Couloir) described in previous observations. We observed multiple D1 to D1.5 natural windslab avalanches on W, NW, and SW aspects at low to high elevations. These slides presumably released during or just after the 2/24-25 wind event. Notably, none of the slides we observed stepped down to to the underlying persistent slab. No new avalanches or cornice falls were noted in Rae Wallace.
Obvious signs of instability
| Recent Avalanches? | Yes |
| Collapsing (Whumphing)? | No |
| Cracking (Shooting cracks)? | No |
Observer Comments
Recent avalanches on multiple aspects and elevations. Obvious signs of recent wind loading (wind scouring and smooth wind slab formation).
No cracking or whumphing on today's tour. Ski cuts on wind loaded test slopes revealed no failures.
Weather
Marmot Weather Station. 4500ft
1100 26.2F ENE wind 1mph gusting to 4mph Bluebird
1300 28.9F SSE wind 1mph gusting to 3mph Bluebird. ABOUT 14F WARMER THAN THE SAME TIME YESTERDAY!
1600 22.6F N wind 3mph gusting to 8mph
Snow surface
A variety of snow surfaces were encountered from wind scoured icy crusts to boot top powder in protected areas. In the areas that we toured a fine wind skin was present. This wind skin was manageable and provided fun skiing.
All tracks from 2/24 powder day were blown away with anti-tracks noted in some areas.
Snowpack
We dug a formal snow pit on Bennet's Ridge at 3700ft. Slope Angle 32 degrees, NE aspect. HS 170cm
We generally found poor structure, moderate propagation propensity, and high strength. In this area there was a 4F and 1F 60cm thick slab sitting on advanced facets.
Test Results:
ECTX
CT25 Q2/RP down 60cm on advanced 2-3mm facets
PST 45/100 End down 60cm on advanced 2-3mm facets
Slab/CT results
Advanced facets from PST
Hatch Peak Wind Slab
Slab
Rae Wallace, crossloading/cornices and antitracks
President's Ridge Wind Slab