Observation: Hatcher Pass

Location: Eldorado

Date:

December 17, 2016 10:40

Observer:

Bernard Federspiel

Route & General Observations

Multiple Natural avalanches, storm slab or persistent slab, north facing in Eldorado bowl. Concave slopes. Observed visually during break in the clouds.

Contact, Location & General Observations

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Forecaster Comments

Natural slab at upper elevation likely slid during initial wind event or mid-storm on old persistent slab. This hazard will increase danger rating to considerable at upper elevation, on leeward aspects, on slopes above 35 deg. Further investigation will provide details post storm.

Red Flags

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Obvious signs of instability

Recent Avalanches?	Yes
Collapsing (Whumphing)?	Yes
Cracking (Shooting cracks)?	No

Observer Comments

Recent snow. Mid Storm wind. Over existing wind slab.

Weather & Snow Characteristics

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Weather

Currently Snowing. 27 degrees.

Snow surface

Very loose in most areas, still snowing. Some wind loading at upper elevations.

Snowpack

Thin snow pack, with 7 day old wind slab. 9 inches of new within 24 hours.

Location

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