Observation: Hatcher Pass

Location: Microdot Ridge

Date:

February 27, 2016 12:00pm

Observer:

Jessie Haffener

Route & General Observations

Toured up Microdot Ridge, back down our uptrack, then around to Gold Chord Lake. Lots of tracks on the north and south side of Microdot, no human triggered avalanches observed. Natural wet loose observed on the south aspect of Microdot. Spatial variability was the theme of the day. Maybe the worst skiing I’ve ever done, but lots of parties out enjoying the sun.

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)?	No
Cracking (Shooting cracks)?	No

Observer Comments

Wet loose avalanche observed on south aspect of Microdot, approximately 4300'. Appeared to be natural, triggered near a rock outcropping warming in the sun. WL-NL-R1-D1.

Weather & Snow Characteristics

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

Weather

At 3000', 12:00: Winds C-L from the North, Scattered clouds, ~30*F, No precip. SUN SUN SUN!!!

Snow surface

Spatial variability: wind slab, wind transported powder, sastrugi, melt-freeze crust, corn on solar aspects in PM.

Snowpack

See attached profile. CTV (RP), CT11 (SC), ECTP23 (SC), down 23 cm. CT21 (SC) down 42 cm.

Photos & Video

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Snowpit from WSW aspect of Microdot Ridge. Area was obviously wind loaded.

Location

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