There were a few natural avalanches that were observed near the SW ridge of Marmot. These avalanches appeared to happen during the night and were partially covered with wind transported snow.
We had three separate field groups touring in Hatcher Pass today, none of our groups got above 3000′. The winds seemed to have taken a big toll on the snowpack at mid and upper elevations. Visibility was quite good today until the light got flat.
There were a few natural avalanches that were observed near the SW ridge of Marmot. These avalanches appeared to happen during the night and were partially covered with wind transported snow.
Overall the weather was quite pleasant today. A field group on marmot today reported light winds.
Snow surface was a mixed bag but areas at higher elevation had sastrugi, lots of wind affected snow and wind slab. riding quality seemed better at lower elevations that were unaffected by wind.
We had mixed results in our pits today. Areas that hand wind slabs, showed propagation in our ECT tests on the south face of marmot. The thanksgiving crust was reactive in compression tests with a lot of force.