Hatcher Pass

The avalanche danger is LOW at all aspects and elevations.

Low danger does not mean no danger. Despite generally safe conditions, unstable snow can be found on isolated or extreme terrain features. 

Recent wind and a shallow, faceted snowpack will contribute to a couple of manageable problems through the end of the week. 

Expect increasing clouds and a chance for an inch or two of accumulating snow this evening.

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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS: 

Winter raffle tickets are on sale now HERE!Mark your calendars for our annual Cabin Fever Reliever with the Roland Roberts Band Saturday, February 1st. Tickets on sale soon!

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

Santa dropped the ball this year and forgot to drop off his gift of a 5 ft deep snowpack and stable conditions. Oh well, I'm more of a Krampus guy anyway. 

The avalanche hazard is low, with generally safe conditions and areas of unstable snow on isolated terrain features. Continue to be on the lookout for small avalanches in extreme terrain. 

WIND SLAB

Early this week winds were elevated at the pass and worked to transport snow along ridgelines and form shallow slabs at upper elevations in leeward or cross-loaded terrain features. The density of recent snow, generally warmer temperatures, and overall less than extreme wind speeds have helped keep this problem at bay. Still, be on the lookout for slabs  2-6'' deep, sometimes breakable, and found mostly on westerly aspects (South to North clockwise).

PERSISTENT SLAB

Despite the slow start to the season, skiers and riders continue to push into higher and more extreme terrain. As such, they continue to interact with a shallow, faceted, early-season snowpack and trigger isolated Persistent Slab avalanches. While these avalanches generally fit the description of a low hazard (unlikely, small, in isolated or extreme terrain) they continue to be worth mentioning as triggering or getting caught in an avalanche right now means potentially going for a very unforgiving, rocky ride. Forecasters are finding the structure to support this problem on all aspects at upper elevations, but the hazard seems pronounced on windward (East and South) aspects where the snowpack is generally thinner (yesterday's observation from Eldorado /Skyscraper here). Look for old drifts, and approach loaded terrain features with caution. Unfortunately, if you're venturing out into this terrain, some of the only areas that are holding snow are where you're likely to encounter this problem. 

RECENT AVALANCHES

On Saturday, two separate parties triggered Persistent Slab avalanches in Gold Chord Lake Basin. These were small avalanches, but highlight the hazard being more possible to find in extreme terrain. Observations here.