This is exactly the persistent slab problem we have been talking about! Lots of lessons to be learned today. Glad no one was injured.
This avalanche appears to have sympathically triggered two other small avalanches. Look closely at the photos.
Avalanche: Hatcher Pass
Location: Sunnyside of Hatch
Adding pictures to obs already published about the D2 HUMAN TRIGGERED PERSISTENT SLAB avalanche today on the SSW aspect 3500′ on Sunnyside of Hatch. Unverified information sounds like the second skier down remotely triggered the avalanche from 15-20 feet away, then traversed to the lookers right of the avalanche.
Forecaster Comments
| Trigger | Skier | Remote Trigger | Yes |
| Avalanche Type | Hard Slab | Aspect | South Southwest |
| Elevation | 3500ft | Slope Angle | unknown |
| Crown Depth | unknown | Width | 100ft |
| Vertical Run | 600ft |
Avalanche Details
See obs : Southeast aspect of Hatch and Valley of Sin for more details
This avalanche could have injured, buried or killed a person.
Events of the day
no information available
Rescue events
no information available
Obvious signs of instability
| Recent Avalanches? | Yes |
| Collapsing (Whumphing)? | Yes |
| Cracking (Shooting cracks)? | No |
Observer Comments
Recent human triggered avalanches on same aspect 3/12
Reported whumping 3/13
Remotely triggered avalanche on Sunnyside of Hatch 3/13
Remotely triggered avalanche on Sunnyside of Hatch 3/13
Remotely triggered avalanche on Sunnyside of Hatch 3/13
Remotely triggered avalanche on Sunnyside of Hatch 3/13 Zoom in at the tracks coming out of the debris!