Avalanche: Hatcher Pass

Location: NE Couloir Pinnacle

Date:
Observer:
Heather Johnson
Route & General Observations

Approached from Gold cord, skied NE Couloir and returned, Gold Cord side. Variable snow, large cornices, windslab

Avalanche Details
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Trigger SkierRemote Trigger No
Avalanche Type Hard SlabAspect Northeast
Elevation 5200ftSlope Angleunknown
Crown Depth 9inWidth 50ft
Vertical Rununknown  
Avalanche Details

Skier #2 in the couloir trigger a wind slab on second turn. Slab propagated about 50ft across/along side the couloir (see photo). Due to where I was standing, I was not able to see how far it ran down the couloir. Maybe halfway? Skier was able to ski skiers left and allowed debri to run without being involved. Due to terrain, slide could have possibly carried or caused injury to skier. Talked to Skier #1 on the return booter and stated he only initiated small slough.

Weather & Snow Characteristics
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Weather

32 degrees at the marmot station. Mostly sunny becoming obscure with high clouds. wind gusts up to 11mph at the marmot station

Snow surface

Variable- gold cord side- breakable crust, couloir- firm wind affect near entrance giving way to softer powder

Snowpack

Did not dig a formal pit.

Photos & Video
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Crown dept ranged up to an estimated 9/10 inches  

Cornices  

Cornices 2