Observation: Hatcher Pass

Location: Microdot Up track

Date:
Observer:
Skylar, Greg, Elan, Gavin, Max, Evea Level 2 AAS
Route & General Observations

Toured up normal Microdot up track from Independence Mine lot. Stopped at 3900′ and dug a test plus pit on West facing aspect near northwest facing chutes.

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?No
Collapsing (Whumphing)?No
Cracking (Shooting cracks)?Yes
Observer Comments

Increased shooting cracks throughout the day, and small volume skier trigger loose dry sluff. Increased wind loading throughout the day.

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

Sky: overcast
Temperature: mid 20s
Precip: none
Wind: building throughout the day gusting 30+, with blowing snow

Snow surface

Variable
Wind affected soft snow, with surface rippling
Pockets of deep snow along with scoured areas

Snowpack

Dug test plus pit at 3900' on West facing aspect of Microdot ridge, looking for active wind slab, was not found.
Snow depth 198-220cm
4F hard wind skin over 25-35cm of fist hard soft new snow, over 4F faceted layer
ECT did not show any propagation

Photos & Video
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Lots of snow transport, wind loading in progress, note wind erosion on snow column  

Location
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