Observation: Hatcher Pass

Location: Indep. Mine to Dylan´s Molar to Rae Wallace

Date:
Observer:
Workman Barker Haffener Professional
Route & General Observations

IMB > Dylan´s Molar> Rae Wallace > IMB
Previous heavy wind scouring to the ground on exposed features and ridgelines above 3000′.
Widespread breakable crust.
Non-breakable, supportable wind deposited snow at ridgelines, unreactive.
1 small, recent (1/13?) avalanche observed at NNW, 4400′, failed on facets near the ground in facet garden of rocks mid slope, likely during recent strong winds, HS-N-D1-O
Small localized cracking on recent firm, wind loaded snow
No whumphing

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

Recent natural listed in "route and other general observations"

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

Broken skies, warm, mild temps, calm winds.

Snow surface

Widespread breakable to supportable crusts, 1-10" thick, above 3000'
HS 20-60cm of loose facets on Rae Wallace chutes, wind protected areas, Northerly, 3-4000'
Mix of breakable and textured orange peel on RW aprons.

Snowpack

North aspects above 3500-4000'
Strong strength, poor structure, propagation in PSTs at base of snowpack, ECTs generally not showing propagation.
Lacking melt freeze crust
Basal facets showing some gained strength and compaction.

Photos & Video
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Rae Wallace-16-Jan  

raised tracks Skyscraper, East  

wind scouring and effect on Hatch Peak, Sunnyside, Southeast, 3-4500'  

Location
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