Rapid loading: Winds picked up around 1:00 PM from the East, and somehow found snow to transport. Pluming observed on ridges, and blowing snow. Tracks were filled back in by 2:00 PM.
Observation: Hatcher Pass
Location: Microdot Ridge
Toured toward Friendship Pass in the AM. Saw debris from two avalanches, 1) SS-N-R2D2-I, SW aspect of the pass, since debris was somewhat filled back in with wind transported snow, I’m guessing it was from the wind events last week. Several small crowns visible above, but none that appeared to be large enough to produce the debris pile. 2) SS-N-R1D1.5-I, East aspect of the pass, no obvious crown. Skied some nice powder below Gold Cord, then headed over to Microdot for a short run down to the car. Dug a full profile on the south aspect of Microdot (see attached).
Observer Comments
Weather
9:00 AM, 3000', Independence Mine Lot: Wind light from the North, few clouds. Temps in the low 30's.
12:00 PM, 4000', Gold Cord Mine: Wind light from the South-East, few clouds. Temps in the low 30's.
2:00 PM, 3500', Microdot Ridge: Wind moderate from the East, broken clouds. Temps in the low 30's.
Snow surface
Still extremely variable, but surface snow rapidly faceting under clear skies, much softer than yesterday (2/27).
Snowpack
See attached profile.
Full profile from south aspect of Microdot Ridge.
Avalanches near Friendship Pass
D2.5 Avalanche on lookers right of Friendship Pass
Cavity hoar under a rock. Neat!
12 mm!