On this prominent west aspect above Delia Creek, at 3600 feet, I saw the remnants of three old D2 Wind Slab/Cornice avalanches that occurred from strong east winds potentially after March 1. In at least two of the avalanches chunks of cornice were observed in the debris that were knife hard and 2+ feet thick. The avalanches all originated just below or at the north/south running ridgeline. From a distance the crowns appeared to be upwards of 3 feet thick and 100 feet wide. The two larger avalanches ran a distance of 600-800 feet in length, one of which filled-in some of a large terrain trap. I believe that these avalanches failed on a buried layer of facets below the wind firmed slab.
Observation: Hatcher Pass
Location: Delia Creek
At the Gold Mint Lot I was told there was some older large avalanches up in the Delia Creek area, so I went to investigate. I noticed this area was more wind affected than many other areas north and west of this location. There were small loose wet avalanches observed on several steep southern aspects near Idaho Peak and beyond Reed Lakes trailhead.
Avalanche Details
Obvious signs of instability
| Recent Avalanches? | Yes |
| Collapsing (Whumphing)? | No |
| Cracking (Shooting cracks)? | No |
Observer Comments
Small loose wet avalanches in steep terrain on southern aspects.
Weather
Clear skies and 30F to 33F degrees. No wind
Snow surface
Highly variable surfaces. In some wind protected areas soft weak snow with ample boot penetration was found. On windward southeast aspects the snow was pencil hard with an inch of new snow on top. Gaining traction on the firm surface was difficult and I resorted to boot-packing in a couple places. On southern aspect the snow was moist caused small wet sluffs.
Snowpack
No alarming red flags. I found mostly stable snow yet it was variable in hardness and structure across the terrain. I created a snowpilot from my pit location.
Delia Creek Snowpit 3/8/2024
Beyond Reed Lakes Trailhead south aspect 3600 feet
Old Avalanche Remnants Above Delia Creek west aspect 3600 feet
Old Avalanche Remnants Above Delia Creek west aspect 3600 feet