Hatcher Pass

Cooler, unsettled weather following last week's warm-up has put a crust on all aspects and locked the snowpack in place.

A dusting of new snow and periods of strong winds have contributed to light drifting and formed shallow slabs at upper elevations.

Overall, the avalanche danger is LOW throughout the forecast area today.

While avalanches are unlikely, hard-snow conditions could increase the consequence of a fall. 

Periods of light snow and elevated winds will linger through today, with some brief sun breaks being your best bet for good visibility.

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Cool, unsettled weather following last week's warm-up has put a crust on all aspects and locked the snowpack in place. Above about 2500' there are supportable crusts on all aspects. Below this elevation, crusts are present but become less supportable with descending elevation and daytime warming. A dusting of new snow (1-2'') this week has graced Hatcher Pass with a thin layer of new snow. Strong winds have transported and drifted this snow into shallow slabs. It's not the glory days of March we had a couple of weeks ago, but it's still feeling like winter and there is smooth skiing to be found. 

Natural and human-triggered avalanches are unlikely today, but conditions are likely to be challenging, here's what to look out for:

HARD SNOW: Not an avalanche problem but a hazard nonetheless. Thick, firm melt-freeze crusts can be found on all aspects above 2500'. It's spring, and based on your preference it may be time to bring some sharp assistance in the form of crampons, ski crampons, or an ice axe. On the way up, skinning will likely be challenging on steeper slopes and boot penetration may be limited at upper elevations. On the descent, steep slopes may be edgable but firm and chattery. Falling and sliding is a real concern, be conscious of your position and the consequences of a fall in steep terrain.

WIND SLAB: Southeast winds have been elevated since the snow started falling, with gusts up to 60 yesterday on Marmot. This has contributed to some light drifting and shallow, isolated slabs. For the most part, not enough snow has accumulated for this to be a problem, but with continued snowfall and wind today, there is the possibility you could encounter some shallow slabs in steep, upper-elevation terrain. Strong southeast winds will have created shallow, isolated slabs 1-5'' deep on upper elevation west through northeast facing slopes. 

LOOSE AVALANCHES: Wet avalanches remain unlikely during this cool, unsettled weather. But with decreasing winds, even a brief break in the clouds this afternoon or tomorrow could be enough to trigger some small point-release sluffs within the dusting of new snow. If the sun comes out this afternoon, some loose, isolated point-release sluffs are possible on steep solar slopes near rocks and bare ground.

CORNICES: It's spring and cornices are sagging. Even with this cool down they could be sensitive to your presence. Give cornices a wide berth and some consideration of your position should they decide to head down the mountain. 

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RECENT AVALANCHES: No new avalanches have been observed since last week.