Observation: Hatcher Pass

Location: general obs Independence Mine area

Date:
Observer:
Allie Barker Professional
Route & General Observations

New snow combined with wind built new wind slabs on west and northwest aspects, 4-8″ deep.
No cracking, collapsing, whomping observed.

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

Natural avy activity observed on 2/22- SS-N/NC-D1R1-I (X2) west aspect 4500' 6-8" deep.
Several dry loose avys on all aspects, all elevations 2/23, 2/24- some are sizable and will require sluff management.

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

HP received 4-8" of new snow, depending on elevation on 2/21, 2/22 accompanied by intermittent high winds gusting 70 SE/E on the 21st, and 30-50mph on 2/24. Storm came in warm, then cooled.

Snow surface

New wind slabs on west and north west aspects at mid to upper elevation.
Old rain crust exposed on many cross scoured features.

Snowpack

Easy-moderate hand shears on new wind slab on old facets.

Photos & Video
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Marmot- Ray Wallace, dry loose avys and large cornices  

Marmot- Ray Wallace, 2 day old wind slabs hardly visable  

Location
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