Avalanche: Hatcher Pass

Location: Gold Cord Lake

Date:
Observer:
Route & General Observations

Toured up Microdot to ski Nosebleed. Skied out from Gold Cord Lake back to nordic ski track at Independence Mine. Some whumphing and cracking during tour. Lots of wind scouring and fresh wind slabs from Thursday wind event.

Avalanche Details
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Trigger SkierRemote Trigger No
Avalanche Type Hard SlabAspect Southwest
Elevation 4000ftSlope Angleunknown
Crown Depth 24inWidth 70ft
Vertical Run 250ft  
Near Miss / Accident Details
Number Caught/Carried? 1Number Partially Buried? 1
Number Fully Buried?0Number Injured?0
Number Fatalities?0  
Avalanche Details

Suspect wind loaded slope. Skier descended slope with group watching from above. First turn on slope, slab broke all around skier. They were able to stand up and ski in the avalanche for awhile. Large blocks of hard snow eventually swept skier's feet and they swam backwards on top of the snow. Avalanche quickly came to a stop and skis were under the snow.

Rescue events

Captured skier could dig themselves out with their hands.

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)?Yes
Cracking (Shooting cracks)?Yes
Weather & Snow Characteristics
Please provide details to help us determine the weather and snowpack during the time this observation took place.
Weather

Recent wind event on Thursday. Friday was sunny, calm wind, 10F air temp.

Snow surface

Wind scouring and wind crust.

Photos & Video
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