No recent avalanches, cracking or collapsing have been observed since Dec 23rd.
Observation: Hatcher Pass
Location: Independence Mine to the Far Side/Pinnacle Valley to the Nosehairs
We toured from IM parking lot up to the Far Side/Pinnacle Valley and up to the Nosehairs to look at wind distribution and try to find protected powder. No red flags or recent avalanches were observed. Stability is improving but conditions are still dire.
We decided not to ski the Nosehairs cause it looked rugged and descended down the Far Side.
Observer Comments
Weather
SNOW:
No new snow since 12/15.
WIND:
Observed moderate to strong wind ESE 22-27 mph with strong to extreme gusts ESE 35-41mph for 6+ hrs at 4500' today.
It felt like we were getting pushed uphill by the wind from the IM parking lot . We also observed pieces of wind slab getting blown around by the wind.
Lots of pluming observed on South ridge of Marmot and most ridge tops mid-day.
TEMPS:
Mild temps in the 20's F at 4500' today
Snow surface
Snow surfaces are a combination of sastrugi, wind slab, old rain crust, and firm hard wind packed surfaces.
Snowpack
see pit info
01.04.23 Eldorado and wind sculpted terrain
01.04.23 Marmot looks dire from the last wind event!
01.04.23 Marmot mid-rib snow texture
01.04.23 old slabs up Pinnacle Valley
1.4 Wind affected snow near IM
Far side_ Pinnacle -04-Jan