No cracking or collapsing was observed today. There were signs of old wet loose avalanches and roller balls on steep southerlies. These were prominent in areas with rocks.
Observation: Hatcher Pass
Location: President's Ridge
Went for tour up President’s Ridge to check on snow surfaces after reports of rain over the weekend. Despite signs of previous warming the riding quality was quite nice.
Observer Comments
Weather
Few clouds to the south, calm winds, no precipitation, and relatively warm temperatures.
Snow surface
1-2inches of low density snow on the surface felt like it might be faceting. Surface hoar 2mm in size was observed above 3500 feet. Despite signs of previous warming on steep southerlies the riding quality was quite nice. The old wind slab that formed around Christmas could still be felt in many areas.
Snowpack
Where the snow pit was dug the snowpack appeared to have high strength, low propagation potential and poor structure. No propagation was observed in two ECTs. The only result of note was failure on moist basal facets 2-3mm in size that are rounding. This pit did not have signs of the Christmas wind event.
President's Ridge
East aspect 3050 feet
20 degree slope
HS 130
ECTN15- 25cm from surface on rounding facets
CT11PC 25cm from surface on rounding facets
CT22 SC at the ground on moist rounding basal facets
Roller Balls on lower President's ridge
Rollerball
Wet loose avalanches and roller balls at Martin Mine
Wet loose avalanches and roller balls on side wall of Marmot 1 gully