Hatcher Pass

The avalanche danger is LOW on all aspects, at all elevations.

It will be possible to trigger a small persistent slab in isolated areas and extreme terrain. 

This stale weather pattern does not intend to shift this weekend. 

The best quality snow will be found in low angle, protected terrain where Decembers' wind didn't blow. 

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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS: 

Wednesday, January 8th – Join us for the "State of the Snowpack", Forecaster Chat 6-7:30PMBleeding Heart Brewery 

Help support your local avalanche center buy purchasing Winter raffle tickets. 

Mark your calendars for our 17th annual Cabin Fever Reliever with the Roland Roberts Band, Saturday, February 1st. Buy your tickets HERE. 

Mild, dry conditions have continued to plague Hatcher Pass this week, gaining a meager 1" of new snow while the rest of the state gets all the action.  We have not seen any significant precipitation since Dec14/15th, and winds have tapered since December 25th.  Few people have been out touring this week, with the majority enjoying the sledding hill and Nordic skiing-good choice!  In general, mild temperatures continue to heal the snowpack and improve stability. 

The snowpack at Hatcher Pass is sitting close to 40% of average for this time of year (see graph below) which means conditions still resemble early November.  The snowpack consists of a mix of facets, crusts, and old wind slabs.  Expect conditions to be challenging with punchy skiing and riding.  Look for better turns on lower angled sheltered slopes and be prepared to encounter variable conditions. 

The last reported avalanche was on 12/21.  It’s important to remember that although the odds are low of triggering anything, low danger is not the same as No danger.

PERSISTENT SLAB

It remains possible to human trigger a lingering persistent slab, 1 to 3 feet deep, at upper elevation on all aspects on slopes steeper than 30 degrees.  Natural avalanches are very unlikely.  Finding a location where the slab/weak layer exists (as seen in the video below) will be confined to isolated areas and extreme terrain. Although we continue to have propagation in our pits, we have not experienced any red flags such as cracking, whumping or recent avalanches this week.  Steep, shallow, windward locations, east to southwest, will be more likely areas to trigger a small slab. Due to the lack of continuity of the slab and weak layer (strong snow over weak snow) we expect any avalanches to remain small.  So although this is a low probability situation, it remains high consequence due to the shallow, thin rocky snowpack.  Triggering even a small avalanche in the wrong terrain could produce a traumatic ride with ugly consequences. 

If you plan on stepping out into steeper terrain today, don’t let your guard down. Be sure to only expose one person at a time, spot your partners as they navigate steeper terrain, identify and use safe zones, and don’t group up at the base of avalanche terrain. Avoid slopes with terrain traps, and choose slopes with gentle, fanning runouts.  We always recommend traveling with all the standard rescue gear including beacon, shovel, and probe. 

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RECENT AVALANCHES

No recent avalanches have been reported or observed since 12/21. 

Friday's observation HERE