This kind of avalanche problem will persist for some time with 10" of new snow (Nov 7-8) sitting on a very poor basal snowpack structure. Sensitivity should decrease over days to weeks. Remotely triggered avalanches are a sign of very sensitive avalanche conditions that will be possible to trigger from some distance away, from below a slope, or adjacent slopes. These kinds of avalanches are difficult to predict. Shooting cracks, collapsing (whumphing), and recent avalanches are bulls eye signs for the problem. To avoid this problem travel on slopes less than 25 degrees and out from under the runnout of steeper slopes.
Avalanche: Hatcher Pass
Location: Hatcher Pass Rd parking lot
Skied down from 1000 $ run, to creek. Chose a lower angle slope to descend to creek. First skier remote triggered a nearby steeper slope, propogated pretty wide and cleaned it down to moss crust. No one caught.
Forecaster Comments
| Trigger | Skier | Remote Trigger | Yes |
| Avalanche Type | Soft Slab | Aspect | Unknown |
| Elevation | unknown | Slope Angle | unknown |
| Crown Depth | 22in | Width | unknown |
| Vertical Run | unknown |
Avalanche Details
Estimate 20" deep, failed on facets over ice crust at ground. Estimate slope angle at 38 degrees.
Obvious signs of instability
| Recent Avalanches? | Yes |
| Collapsing (Whumphing)? | Yes |
| Cracking (Shooting cracks)? | Yes |
Observer Comments
Remotely triggered avalanche
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