19F, calm winds with upwards of 10mph gusts, winds increased above treeline and later into the day to consistent 15-25mph winds easily transporting the new snow and creating widespread windslabs. Cloudy and light snow fall in the morning, clearing up later in the afternoon.
Observation: Hatcher Pass
Location: Upper Glades/Japanese Trees
Toured up from turn off before Skeetawk up usual Japanese Trees skin track. Light snow fall in the morning with clouds slowly decreasing for a sunny afternoon. 3″ of fresh snow in the trees increasing to about 5+ above treeline. Skiing was great as long as you can stay above and away from the ice!
Weather
Snow surface
3-5in of fresh snow, above treeline snow came with winds as fresh windslabs and widespread sastrugi especially on ridges and higher elevations. All surrounding ridges are visibly stripped down to the ground by high winds.
Snowpack
Formal ECT results below. Wet, thin snowpack with many ice crusts.
Windslabs observed were non-reactive to being skied on.
Snow pit results, ECTP9
Snow that failed
Slab that released, Moderate Energy, very heavy
Pit Side wall
IMG-0578
Problematic Layer