Observation: Hatcher Pass

Location: Independence Mine

Date:

January 11, 2018 4:00pm

Observer:

Allen Dahl

Route & General Observations

Short tour up to the bench below Marmot close by Independence Mine parking lot. Full study pit at 3350′. ~10 cm of super light dust on a super stout crust (old wind slab). Closer the the parking lot, areas of soft snow were a little deeper and made for a short pitch of enjoyable skiing.

Red Flags

Red flags are simple visual clues that are a sign of potential avalanche danger. Please record any sign of red flags below.

Observer Comments

none observed

Weather & Snow Characteristics

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

Weather

Nearly overcast all day, with the slightest opening in the sky to the sky above Palmer.
1315 @ 3350', Temps in mid-teens, sustained ~10mph winds coming from south in my area but noticed significant snow transport on Hatch Peak coming from ESE.

Snow surface

~10cm super blower powder (Dendrites) from day before with the slightest wind effect above harder, older snow.

Snowpack

Investigated rocky areas on tour, proved to be facet gardens.
Full Pit: HS115cm. New snow on top of old wind slab above rounds then to facets (with a hidden MF crust) and back to rounds above depth hoar. See Attached snow profile.

Location

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