Observation: Hatcher Pass

Location: Hatch Peak

Date:

November 29, 2019 5:47pm

Observer:

Rachel Minick

Route & General Observations

We toured up $1000 Run and saw a wind slab avalanche had occurred on the face of the bench below Hatch Peak. We did not elect to tour up under Hatch peak due to overhead hazard being high. Snow needs time to heal and wind slabs are very reactive. Be safe this weekend to the folks venturing out!

Red Flags

Red flags are simple visual clues that are a sign of potential avalanche danger. Please record any sign of red flags below.

Obvious signs of instability

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

Observer Comments

Wind slabs were widespread and anywhere from 6-12 inches thick. These slabs were poorly bonded to the underlying snow. Evidence of wind slab avalanches that occurred during or after the Thanksgiving day storm.

Weather & Snow Characteristics

Please provide details to help us determine the weather and snowpack during the time this observation took place.

Weather

Mostly cloudy skies today with brief periods of blue peaking through. Minimal winds.

Snow surface

Variable from new soft snow to wind drifts to wind slabs.

Snowpack

Wind slabs poorly bonded to the new storm snow.

Photos & Video

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