Avalanche: Hatcher Pass

Location: Marmot, Punk Spines, SW Marmot, Archangel

Date:
Observer:
Route & General Observations

Took a flight over Hatcher Pass on Saturday to witness the destruction from the Valentines Heartbreak Storm 2/14-2/18. Numerous D3 and one D4 naturals were observed. Many avalanches crossed both the upper and lower roads as well as the road between Fishhook lot and the HP lodge . A historic avalanche was observed on the east face of government that came within 100 yards of the GPRA winter bike trails.

Contact, Location & General Observations
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Forecaster Comments

This avalanche cycle was larger and more destructive than the Easter Cycle in March 2021. Some of the paths in this cycle that went naturally we have either never seen or havent seen since the 70's and 80's. It will be another one for the books.

Avalanche Details
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Trigger NaturalRemote Trigger Unknown
Avalanche Type UnknownAspect West
Elevation 4000ftSlope Angleunknown
Crown DepthunknownWidthunknown
Vertical Run 2500ft  
Avalanche Details

Numerous natural avalanches observed from the Valentines Storm 2/14-2/18 which brought 50" of snow and 8" SWE to Hatcher Pass.

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)?No
Observer Comments

Numerous large and very large avalanches observed.

Weather & Snow Characteristics
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Weather

50" new snow, 8" SWE 2/14 to 2/18
low winds but cant be totally sure cause all our anemometers froze up during freezing drizzle event. observed wind effect on ridges during flight and sastrugi

Photos & Video
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