No signs of instability. Because of the weak and unstable nature of the snowpack we expected to hear a whumpf, but none. As we went further up the Valley of Sin, the snowpack became more variable and uncertain. Feeling in doubt, we turned around.
Observation: Hatcher Pass
Location: Valley of Sin
For our Rec 1 avalanche course we toured part way up the Valley of Sin. Conditions were more prone to avalanching than we expected. So we turned around and skied on the low angle slopes at the entrance to the valley.
Observer Comments
Weather
Overcast, snowing lightly, light to moderate wind, temperature in the 20's.
Snow surface
A skim of new snow over recycled powder. Fun skiing!
Snowpack
Our group dug two pits. One at about 3,000 feet and one at about 2500 feet. Both pits had about 70cm of fist hardness snow, with some new snow on top, small facets in the middle, and larger facets at the base. Both pits failed at ECTP moderate down 70cm on facets at the base.
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