Observation: Hatcher Pass

Location: Hatcher Pass

Date:
Observer:
Anonymous
Route & General Observations

from road up wooded ribs to 3500′, obvious sun crust (SE-SW) below 5-8cm redistributed recent snow topped by 4-5mm surface hoar to 3500′. 2 major collapses, 15m+, from skin track (4th person, 30 mins after trail breakers) 12:30 & 12:40 pm near 2000′. Pronounced airy facet layer 1500-2500′ under 50-60 very soft slab. Moderate hand shears becoming resistant above 2500′

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

wind loading from NNW & down valley winds

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

clear cold calm, warmed rapidly w/ sun +20*F; cooled rapidly once shaded, 0-2 mph wind after 1530h

Snow surface

dendrite, surface hoar to 5mm, underlying very friable sun crust on southerlies

Snowpack

hand shears, pie cuts, test slopes

Location
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