Observation: Hatcher Pass

Location: Fairangel Valley

Date:
Observer:
Route & General Observations

Skied two north facing lines in Fairangel. 20 cm of dense, creamy powder. While skinning back up the face experienced an alarming collapse with a distinct shooting crack. One side of the crack was visibly higher than the other. It did not slide but this is the spot we triggered a small slide last year and Billy triggered a larger slide a few years back. I don’t think that this spot is a repeat offender so much as a spot that everyone passes on their way in or out of Fairangel. Pit near the collapse:

5,000 ft ASL
HS:130 cm
HP:130 cm
CT12 Q1 40 cm down
ECTP12 40 cm down

Both failures were at an interface of rounding facets overlain by a 10 cm thick deteriorating wind slab. ECTP popped out energetically.

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?No
Collapsing (Whumphing)?Yes
Cracking (Shooting cracks)?Yes