Avalanche: Hatcher Pass

Location: Hatch Peak

Date:
Observer:
Fredrik Norrsell
Route & General Observations

Skied up 1000$ run, two snowboarders reported having triggered the avalanche minutes earlier. Mostly wind scoured conditions with anti-tracks. Pockets of sensitive windslabs in gullies along route. All north-facing slopes of Hatch looked wind loaded. Today windslabs were less sensitive/reactive today compared to yesterday. Poor visibility/flat light all day, with occasional light snow flurries in afternoon.

Avalanche Details
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Trigger SnowboarderAvalanche Type Soft Slab
Aspect NorthElevation 3900ft
Slope AngleunknownCrown Depth 12in
Width 100ftVertical Run 500ft
Avalanche Details

First skier triggered windslab on the first turn and took a ride, but wasn't buried. Poor vis made it hard to estimate avalanche size, most likely a D1.5-D2. Avalanche started in windslab, and stepped down to deeper weak layers. In places it stepped down to ground/basal facets. Deeper layers where most likely hard slab. Wind slabs were most likely 4F+ hard.

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)?Yes
Location
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