Avalanche: Hatcher Pass

Location: Lower elevations around Independence Mine ( 3000 - 3900 ft)

Date:
Observer:
Route & General Observations

Assessment around Independence Mine

Avalanche Details
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Trigger NaturalRemote Trigger0
Avalanche Type Dry Loose SnowAspect North Northwest
Elevation 4500ftSlope Angle 50deg
Crown DepthunknownWidthunknown
Vertical Run 800ft  
Avalanche Details

Several Loose Dry, Natural Avalanches on multiple aspects on Marmot, Sky Scraper, Hatch Peak and Martin Peak

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)?Yes
Cracking (Shooting cracks)?No
Observer Comments

14+ inches of new snow in last 24 hours

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

Obscure skies in am, partial clearing by afternoon. Light snow tapering off by afternoon. Temps in high teens to low twenties. Calm winds.

Snow surface

Smooth. Approximately 14 inches of new snow in last 24 hours.

Snowpack

These are the collected results from various test pits from 3 different groups in our assessment area.
-On lower Microdot Moderate test failures on wind slab layer 30 centimeters from ground was observed.
-On lower Hatch Peak Variable strength with no propagation and poor structure on NNE to NNW aspects. Snowpack on SSE was 1/3 the depth and nonreactive to all tests.
-Average snowpack 140cm, new snow @ 50cm with density change down 10-15cm. Consistent ECT failure upon isolation on South aspects at base on Martin Peak.

Photos & Video
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