2/23: Large whumpf near 2600’, possibly in part due to alders.
Very small pseudo-cornice break near our high point of 4500’.
2/24: Hollow wind loaded snow at top of couloir near 5300’ (we altered our top out due to this). Localized cracking on ascent. Very small wind slab near 5200’ on descent.
Observation: Hatcher Pass
Location: Goldmint + IMB
Summary of 2/23 and 2/24
2/23: Golmint TH > Drainage East of Delia creek.
2/24: IM lot > Pinnacle West Couloir > Farside.
Old avalanche crown observed near Idaho peak, ~3000’, South aspect, as well as on Rae Wallace chutes.
Observer Comments
Weather
2/23: Not enough wind to blow out the clouds. Calm air, teens, low visibility. Almost made it above the clouds (not quite) near 4500’.
2/24: clear skies, single digit temps, calm/light SE winds. The sun is just barely starting to affect the snow surface.
Snow surface
In general, 10-20cm unconsolidated new snow above wind hardened snow. N to W aspects harbor the least wind affected snow.
2/24: small surface facets developing on shaded+wind protected snow
Point Releases off steep solar aspects
Low visibility on 2/23.