I think there is a component of having the pith in the hinge.
"angiosperms (hardwoods) and gymnosperms (softwoods) build compensatory wood differently. Angiosperms produce tension wood on the upper side of a leaning stem, which contracts to pull it upright, while gymnosperms produce compression wood on the lower side to push it upright. These two types of reaction wood represent two different mechanisms for responding to gravity. "
With compensatory growth in an alder (local BC-prone species), there will be more tension wood, putting the pith close or within the hinge when face-cut shallowly.
If an alder is face-cut deeply, the pith will be in the front-side of the hinge and holding wood.