The mid-day temperature as measured at the Marmot Wx Station was ~ 3F with light and variable winds.
Observation: Hatcher Pass
Location: Rae-Wallace Bowl and S. Aspect of Lower MicroDot
Snow depth study. Traveled from Independence Bowl Parking Lot to 4200′ bench on SW Ridge on MicroDot. Depth (HS) was measured with avalanche probe at six different locations as indicated on attached photo. For each each location, six measurements (n=6) were made with the average depth reported. Ski-pole probes revealed a top layer of fist (F) hardness as deep as 50 cm with a thin crust (~8mm) that lay 5-25 cm beneath the surface. Slopes skied well with recent shallow covering of powder.
Weather
Snow surface
Top layer of recycled facets and wind-fragmented particles (5-25 cm thick). No significant wind effects noted on this route.
Snowpack
Ski-pole probes along the route revealed a top layer of fist (F) hardness as deep as 50 cm with a thin crust (~8mm) that lay 5-25 cm beneath the surface.
Snow Depth Study - Rae-Wallace Bowl and South Aspect of Lower MicroDot