Observation: Hatcher Pass

Location: Souvenir

Date:

January 1, 2024 9:24pm

Observer:

Bryan Friedrichs

Route & General Observations

Skinned to the South summit of Souvenir Peak from the Mint trailhead. No obvious red flags (aside from the observed avalanche). Snow surface was a mix of wind board and old, dense powder.

Contact, Location & General Observations

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Forecaster Comments

This avalanche likely occurred on 12/22. The only other large avalanche we observed during that storm cycle was the North aspect of Frostbite.

Avalanche Details

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Avalanche Details

Observed a single, but large natural avalanche on the West Face of Souvenir Peak. Appeared to have failed near or at the ground, with a crown that looked to be at least 3 or 4 feet. Unknown when the avalanche occurred.

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

The only observed sign of instability was the large avalanche on the East Face of Souvenir. Not sure how recent this slid as there has been no new snow in the area for about a week.

Weather & Snow Characteristics

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Weather

20 degrees and clear skies transitioning to high cloud cover. Light wind.

Snow surface

Windboard and old, settled powder

Snowpack

Didn't get an up close and personal look at the crown, but bed surface was near or at the ground and appeared to be a in pocket that would collect a lot of snow transported by the east winds.

Location

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