Avalanche forecast

Hatcher Pass

Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

The avalanche danger is MODERATE for WET LOOSE and PERSISTENT SLAB avalanches above 2500 ft. 

Areas of heightened avalanche hazard exist due to warming and poor structure.

Sunshine and soft snow are on the menu to close out this beautiful weekend. 

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Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Spring is here, and with it comes the glorious March sunshine. Both natural and human-triggered wet avalanches will be possible on steep southerly aspects above 2500' during the heat of the day. Intermittent cloud cover, a light breeze, and relatively cool temperatures at elevation have kept warming at bay, but we're still seeing relatively widespread natural wet-loose activity on southerly aspects. This problem is the most likely one to result in natural activity today but it will also be the most manageable. The complex part of this problem is its interaction with the persistent slab issue. Natural wet loose activity can trigger persistent slabs lower on the slope. Warming can also thicken the slab on solar aspects, increasing that problem's likelihood. Numerous wet-loose avalanches have sympathetically triggered persistent slabs mid-slope, increasing the size and consequence of these avalanches. 

    • Look out for rollerballing and pinwheeling as they are signs of instability.
    • Avoid steep solar aspects where the snow is getting thick and sticky.
    • Most likely to be encountered on steep slopes or near exposed rocks.
    • Avoid gullies and terrain traps.

    Wet Loose avalanche in Archangel Valley.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Although becoming more unlikely, it remains possible for a skier to trigger a persistent slab 1 to 2 ft deep on all aspects above 2500'.

    As this problem progresses, it is becoming more stubborn and isolated in distribution. The last time a skier was able to trigger a persistent slab was on Thursday while bootpacking near the Pinnacle,  but parties yesterday reported collapsing and wet-loose activity has continued to sympathetically trigger persistent slabs on steep solar aspects. Areas where we've seen the most persistent slab activity are on steep convex rolls that were cross-loaded by stronger winds earlier this week. The structure that supports this problem is where last week's snow has increased in density and is sitting on old firm crusts, slabs, or bed surfaces harboring facets. Warm temperatures are working to round facets and resolve this problem but it may continue to linger into this week. 

    • Use ski poles to search for areas of thicker snow on firm bed surfaces.
    • Cracking, collapsing, and hollow-sounding snow indicate poor structure and instability.

    Approach loaded slopes with caution, have an exit plan, and travel one at a time when crossing or descending avalanche paths. 

    Possible warming or wet loose triggered persistent slab on the Willow side of Hatcher Pass. 

    Photo: Tim Rogers

Avalanche Discussion

RECENT AVALANCHES:

On Thursday a skier triggered a persistent slab while booting near the Pinnacle. On Friday and Saturday, several wet loose avalanches were observed to have triggered persistent slabs mid-slope (see pictures below). 

View all recent observations here. 

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