Observation: Hatcher Pass

Location: Microdot

Date:
Observer:
Pro 1 Alaska Avalanche School
Route & General Observations

Our class went for short tour up microdot to gain a better under standing if the recent storm snow was behaving like a slab.

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

No crack or collapsing was observed. No recent avalanches were observed but visibility was limited at times.

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

Temps reached a high of 29°F during our tour and snow was heavy at times reaching 1cm an hour. Moderate SW winds were observed near independence mine at 12:45pm

Snow surface

6-7" of new snow fell early this morning and thought the day. Ski penetration average 40cm for most of the tour.

Snowpack

During our short tour we observed that the snowpack has poor structure, moderate strength, and low propagation potential. While traveling we were unable to locate a cohesive slab. We dug 8 different pits in this location and none of them had propagation during any large column tests.

Lower Microdot 3700' North
12° Slope HS 140cm
CT12 SP at new old snow interface
CT22 SC on 11/22 facets.

Photos & Video
Please upload photos below. Maximum of 5 megabytes per image. Click here for help on resizing images. If you are having trouble uploading please email images separately to staff.

Ice pellets and decomposing stellars  

Location
Click to Explore Location.