Observation: Hatcher Pass

Location: Peak 4068

Date:
Observer:
Route & General Observations

Toured to 4068 in search of low density snow. Poor light and warm temperatures were the theme of the day.

Red Flags
Red flags are simple visual clues that are a sign of potential avalanche danger. Please record any sign of red flags below.
Observer Comments

It was warm today with temps reaching 40F. Winds were beginning to transport snow at around 1:30 with significant flagging on government and 4068' observed.

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

Warm temperatures throughout the entire tour. Light winds from the northwest and seemed to increase throughout the day.
Peak 4068' @ 12:00 3200' Calm winds, Overcast skies, 40F and no precipitation. Extremely poor lighting for part of the day.

Snow surface

South-southwest facing slopes had a breakable sun crust up to 8cm in places. None of the snow seemed to be wet while traveling. On east and north facing aspects snow seemed cold and dry with some wind effect near ridge tops. On northerlies snow was denser than expected but overall good ski quality.

Snowpack

We dug on a east aspect in a shallow location. The snow structure was moderate with a weak interface 20cm from the ground which seems to make a great bed surface. On top of this bed surface sits a thin layer of rounding facets, and slab resting on top. The overall strength was moderate and propagation potential seems low.
Peak 4068' 3200' East aspect 24 degree slope
HS 65

ECTN15 35cm decomposing snow failure at density change