We observed a few small natural sluffs that failed with 3-4" of new snow on old firm bed surfaces. No cracking, whumping, or recent slab avalanches were observed.
Observation: Hatcher Pass
Location: Microdot
Flatlight tour from IM up to Microdot to observe 3-4″ of new snow from Monday, assess hardness, variability and continuity of buried crusts, and attempt to ski with no visibility. We observed a few small recent natural sluffs near the Lodge Run on Marmot. No other signs of instability were observed.
Observer Comments
Weather
3-4" new snow on 3/4
Light winds ESE 12-14 mph with moderate gusts 17-20 mph at 4500' today
Mild temps in the teens at 4500', 23*F at 3500' and 29*F at 2700'.
Snow surface
On our tour, snow surfaces were soft low density snow that accumulated on 3/4. Firm crusts could be felt underfoot in isolated locations on southerly aspects. Melt freeze crusts that have been observed up to 3500-3800' from the 2.12-2.19 Feb Warm up are mostly deteriorating with a lack of continuity in the snowpack.
Snowpack
See side wall pit photo & Snowpilot
Recent small sluffs near the Lodge Run on Marmot 3.5.24
Cornices are building on Dylan's Molar and far end of the Rae Wallace ridgeline 3.5.24
Snow Pit 3.5.24
Microdot south aspect 4500 feet 3/5/2024