Observation: Hatcher Pass

Location: Frostbite

Date:
Observer:
Route & General Observations

Went to Hatcher to check out conditions during the storm. Started at skeetawk parking lot. No new precipitation had fallen during the entire time I was there (1PM until 3PM). Winds were moderate with some strong gusts in the beginning. it cranked up a notch by my departure.

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)?No
Cracking (Shooting cracks)?Yes
Observer Comments

Fresh windslabs were being formed on northern aspects above tree line. Got cracking and failure on a small test slope. Windslabs were between 1-4 inches thick but growing. A lot of visible snow transport on the ridge of Frostbite

Weather & Snow Characteristics
Please provide details to help us determine the weather and snowpack during the time this observation took place.
Weather

Cloudy, moderate wind and flat light. 36°F at the parking lot. Winds were SSE. It turned from moderate to strong with some respectable gusts close to the ridge shoulder.

Snow surface

It varied from bullet proof ice crust to a breakable sun crust at the lower elevations in the sun exposed areas. Shaded sections around the skin track could hold pockets of soft snow. Above tree line wind slabs were being formed.

Snowpack

Dug a pit at a N aspect of Frostbite around 2800' elevation.
24° slope angle
CT 22 (30cm down)
ECTX

Photos & Video
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