Observation: Hatcher Pass

Toured out of the Independence Mine parking lot up the Microdot skintrack. On the uptrack, ski pole tests regularly revealed the layer at ~40cm below the surface. Consistent flagging across the valley towards Hatch Peak. Sky was overcast with deteriorating visibility and increasing winds. Dug a pit at about 3800′ and skied from 4000′ off the face. Off the track ski penetration was ~20cm and boot penetration was ~82cm. Snow skied great except the rocks just below the surface.