Hatcher Pass

The avalanche danger is LOW at all elevations.

Early season conditions consist of a shallow snowpack with numerous rock hazards.

Hatcher Pass received 3 inches of new snow Friday.  Expect an additional 3 inches throughout the day today. 

Small inconsequential loose dry avalanches will be possible to human trigger in steep isolated or extreme terrain where new snow will bond poorly with existing firm and faceted surfaces. 

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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Regular forecasts will begin Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday starting next week. 

Interested in submitting an observation? Click here to learn how. Check the observations page for more information on recent snow and avalanche conditions.  

Welcome to the 2024/25 season!

It’s been a slow start to the season with minimal snow and a shallow snowpack consisting of 4 to 20 inches in most locations. Early October brought several inches of rain, followed by 12 inches of snow Oct 28/29 followed by the Election Day wind event Nov 5/6th. Wind slabs that formed have deteriorated and are non-reactive and not an avalanche problem. The entire snowpack currently resembles our famous "Square Powder" that you often hear old timers talk about. Unfortunately, these facets or sugar snow will be a poor base for future storms. No avalanches have been observed or reported in the forecast zone this season. However, the saying goes, "If there’s enough snow to ski or ride, there’s enough snow to slide."  

A few inches of new snow on Friday combined with 3 inches of new today will obscure numerous rock hazards while mimicking a thicker snowpack. Don't be fooled!  Taking a conservative approach early season with route choice is recommended. Uptracks have been inconsistent for skinning and shift from firm underfoot, to bottomless facets, to thick shrubs from one step to the next. A skier’s dream can be a splitboarders nightmare. Be prepared with ski crampons if you have them. 

Early season is a good time to get your gear in order. If you are getting out into the backcountry, we highly recommend safe travel protocol, spacing out, and spotting your partner. 

It’s generally shallow covererage, so bring your rock boards and expect rocks and other hazards just below the snow surface.

Ensure beacons do not have corrosion on batteries and battery contacts, replace with new batteries, and test functionality. Ensure your shovel and probe are fully functional.  Now is a great time to practice the basics of companion rescue with beacons. It’s always a good idea to re-familiarize yourself with rescue procedures with your specific gear.

If you have not completed an avalanche course, spaces are extremely limited and resources can be scarce, so contact your local provider and sign up early! Also, if you need financial assistance there are several scholarships available, including through HPAC here. We recommend contacting the AK Avalanche School and the AK Guide Collective to sign up for a course.

HPAC could not exist without the support of our community.  Go HERE to donate.  To learn more about corporate sponsorship please email [email protected]

If you get out in the mountains, please submit observations via our website and tag us at #hpavy. Pray for Snow!