Observation: Hatcher Pass

Location: Meadow between Marmot and Microdot. elevation approximately 3800 ft

Date:
Observer:
Route & General Observations

We skied Microdot, but on the trip up we decided to practice some snow study skills. We identified small slope with a wind deposit on a NW aspect to dig a snow pit. The slope was only a little over 20 degrees. We conducted compression and extended column tests. Snow depth was over 6ft, as that is as far down as we dug. Results of might also have some skew from being in an area with much more sun than steeper and higher north facing slope, which could have caused more bonding. Overall we identified a 2-3ft wind slab that appeared to be difficult to trigger, but on steeper slope may be much easier to trigger.

Weather & Snow Characteristics
Please provide details to help us determine the weather and snowpack during the time this observation took place.
Snowpack

Compression Test- did not fail, but once we conducted the shovel sheer test and received a Q2 to borderline Q1 sheer. Depth of sheer was just of 75cm But shovel sheer isn't really scientific though.
ECT- had propagation occur on 28th tap. propagation occurred at same depth and had similar quality sheer.

Photos & Video
Please upload photos below. Maximum of 5 megabytes per image. Click here for help on resizing images. If you are having trouble uploading please email images separately to staff.