Avalanche: Hatcher Pass

Location: Hatchers Pass Area

Date:
Observer:
James carruba
Route & General Observations

Road Observation 4PM Sunday

Contact, Location & General Observations
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Forecaster Comments

New avalanche near Stairstep 3/29 on adjacent slopes at 3500' NNW and SW aspects.

Avalanche Details
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Trigger NaturalRemote Trigger Unknown
Avalanche Type UnknownAspect Southwest
Elevation 3000ftSlope Angleunknown
Crown DepthunknownWidthunknown
Vertical Run 1500ft  
Avalanche Details

Avalanche is at the upper region of Stairstep on the Southwest aspect overlooking Skeetawk.Recent wind event overnight looks to have overloaded weak layers and caused this avalanche. Appears to have rapped around the small gully and taken the other aspect as well. This avi ran all the way to the river. Wind is still ripping on Arkose ridge and will most definitely cause more avis in this area. There is also a small slide over by the entrance to Delia Creek area.

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

High winds moved through Hatchers last night. It appears that they caused significant loading as far back as Skyscrapper. Microdot, Goldcord, Friendship Pass, have some sign but not nearly as bad.

Weather & Snow Characteristics
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Weather

Bluebird and slight wind at parking lot and lower valley. High winds at alpine and ridges

Snow surface

Varialbe to say the least. The Glades were shining like a mirror. Women's run looked like a washboard.

Photos & Video
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Stairstep/ Arkose Ridge  

Above Delia Creek  

Peak 4068/ Women's run  

North side Government Peak  

The winds didn't seem to keep everyone away. Marmot was packed with trailors  

Location
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