Avalanche: Hatcher Pass

Location: Pinnacle zone

Date:
Observer:
Route & General Observations

Toured on a variety of aspects (S-NW) in the Pinnacle zone up to 5200ft

Avalanche Details
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Trigger NaturalRemote Trigger0
Avalanche Type Soft SlabAspect Southwest
Elevation 5000ftSlope Angle 35deg
Crown Depth 12inWidth 40ft
Vertical Run 100ft  
Avalanche Details

Recent, did not appear to be triggered by cornice or any loose activity

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)?Yes
Cracking (Shooting cracks)?Yes
Observer Comments

Observed two whumpfs on a W-SW aspect slope around 5000ft w/ one 10ft shooting crack. W asp, planar slope, slightly thicker surface slab (~30cm), >30deg. Turned around and pronounced hail marys....

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

HPAC's excellent advisory for the weekend confirmed the overall theme of "variability" in snow surface and upper snowpack structure. Ski quality was good-poor. Confidence in was low and we tried hard to avoid exposure to terrain traps.

Snowpack

Quick tests generally confirmed slowing settling and strengthening wind slabs of highly variable thickness and distribution over a weak near surface structure...especially in upper elevations. Resistant planar fracture character at the interface below any surface slab. Pole, ski and boot pen super inconsistent.

Photos & Video
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