| Trigger | Skier | Remote Trigger | Yes |
| Avalanche Type | Soft Slab | Aspect | East Southeast |
| Elevation | 3500ft | Slope Angle | unknown |
| Crown Depth | unknown | Width | unknown |
| Vertical Run | unknown |
Avalanche: Hatcher Pass
Location: East bowl of Government, above Edskimo acres.
Skinned up the North ridge of East bowl. There was a thick rain crust from the road to about 3600′ where we finished our tour. As the gradient increased on the ridge around 3400′ some whumping was heard. At around 3600′ the snowpack settled remotely triggering an avalanche about 300 yards away and further triggering another slide across the bowl. The first avalanche was on the skiers left (southside) of the north ridge and the second was on the east face of the bowl almost a kilometer from the initial slide.
Avalanche Details
Both slides were remotely triggered from a minimum of 300 yds away. Conditions didn't permit further investigation of the bed surface, crown, etc. Skied back down the ridge and skin track.
Obvious signs of instability
| Recent Avalanches? | No |
| Collapsing (Whumphing)? | Yes |
| Cracking (Shooting cracks)? | No |
Observer Comments
Collapsing and whumphing occurred above 3400' where the gradient of the ridge began to increase.
Weather
About 6-8" of new snow covered with a rain crust. Temperature at the road was 34*F, and cooled slightly with elevation again.
Overcast, and flat light for most of the tour.
Snow surface
Rain crust over fresh snow. Crust of varying thickness, but generally about 5mm.
Snowpack
No pit. No formal stability tests.
Initial remotely triggered slide on the South face of Government's East bowl.
Close-up of initial slide.
The second remotely triggered slide on the East face of Government's East bowl.
Adjusted photo