Hatcher Pass

The avalanche hazard is LOW at all elevations and on all aspects. 

Hatcher Pass got a small and much needed refresh with 4-6" of snow on Thursday. 

Small dry loose avalanches (sluffs) will be possible to human trigger in steep terrain and manageable in size.

We recommend utilizing safe travel protocol even on LOW danger days. 

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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Are you a motorized user? Join us March 17th at Eagle River Polaris at 6PM for a Forecaster Chat/State of the Snowpack with HPAC avalanche forecasters. 

The CNFAIC has posted a preliminary accident report for the multiple person fatal avalanche accident in the Chugach on March 4, 2025. Three people were caught and killed in an avalanche in the west fork of the Twentymile River. Ongoing recovery efforts are being coordinated by the Alaska State Troopers. We extend our deepest condolences to the friends and families of all parties involved. This accident raises the number to 18 avalanche fatalities that have occurred in the US this season. 

Prior to this week's storm, the outlook was dire, with no precipitation for 37 days. Fortunately, a quick and efficient storm on Thursday brought 4-6" of new snow, refreshing the slopes and our attitudes. Cooler temperatures have followed and kept snow surfaces loose, faceted, and very rideable. This small loading event was not enough to contribute to any increase in avalanche hazard or additional avalanche problems. The snowpack remains stable and small inconsequential sluffs are the primary problem on the menu today.  Even during LOW danger days, we recommend using normal caution and safe travel protocols to minimize the consequences of triggering even a small avalanche. These protocols include traveling one at a time in steep terrain, spotting partners from safe locations, and carrying appropriate rescue gear so you can perform a rescue. 

DRY LOOSE AVALANCHES: On Friday we observed few naturals and a couple human triggered small dry loose sluffs as a result of new snow from Thursday that is not bonding well to old firm bed surfaces.  Expect more of the same today, with small inconsequential dry loose sluffs possible to human trigger in terrain 40 degrees and steeper.  Although sluffs are expected to move slowly today, getting sluffed into a terrain trap or in extreme terrain can end up with unintended consequences. 

WIND SLABS: It may be possible to trigger a small wind slab at or just below ridgeline on leeward aspects, west to north, above 4500' that formed on Wednesday with a short duration wind event prior to Thursdays snow.  Expect any lingering slabs to be small, up to 6" thick, manageable, and stubborn to trigger today. 

WET AVALANCHES:  Wet avalanches may be possible with warming below 2500ft as temperatures rise into the mid-30sF this afternoon. If the snow becomes unsupportable and unstable, seek low angle terrain.  Light winds and cooler temperatures will keep snow surfaces cool and frozen at mid and upper elevation.  If the sun persists today, expect small wet loose avalanches to be possible to trigger in steep terrain on southerly aspects at all elevations. Rollerballs and pinwheels are obvious precursors to wet loose avalanches.

RECENT AVALANCHES:

A few small natural and human triggered dry loose avalanches (sluffs) were observed on Friday in steep terrain. No slab avalanches have been reported or observed since 1/27.