Observed avalanche debris from several small releases on S. side of Skyscrapper Mtn and north of Hatcher Pass rd. Prbably due to solar effects on S. facing slope.
Observation: Hatcher Pass
Location: Hatcher Pass (3886 ft)
From upper parking lot skied road up to Hatcher Pass. Skied 1/4 mi beyond pass to parking area overlooking Willow Ck side. Numerous ski tracks from last weekend on N side hatch Pk, April bowl, and $1000 run.
Observer Comments
Weather
At 1300 in pass was 41F and clear skies with wind ESE at 10-15.
Snow surface
Loose broken particles with indications of minor wind rippling, but no wind slab.
Snowpack
Snowpack obs taken on north-facing 34 deg slope between Hatcher Pass and parking area 1/4 mi to the west. Total snowpack depth = 43 cm. From ground up: 0-15cm=4F facets, 15-21cm = 1F M/F crust with rounding facets,21-43 cm = Fist hardness with broken particles. Got moderate shovel shear on 34 deg north-facing slope, breaking on top of M/F crust.