Finally had a great (80 degree elevation) pass tonight. Picked up ABRIXAS at the bowl of the Big Dipper. Had a nice flare as it neared max elevation. Shortly thereafter, it faded then increased in magnitude. Appeared to be another flare in the ESE but clouds prevented absolute brightness assessment. Not knowing the physical configuration, I cannot surmise whether the one...possibly two...flares and one apparent fading are indicative of a non-stabile satellite. Pass was at 0345Z and passed east of the zenith on a NW to SE path after sunset. Ron Lee Falcon, CO USA