Hatcher Pass
Avalanche danger
Highlights
The avalanche danger is LOW at all elevations.
Triggering a persistent slab in isolated or extreme terrain is unlikely, but not out of the question today.
Conditions have slightly improved with the return of winter and cooler temperatures.
A short duration storm will bring up to a few inches of new snow to the pass today.
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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:
TODAY!!!!! Free Avalanche Rescue Workshop:
Saturday, December 14th – 12PM-3PMHatcher Pass – Fishhook (Marmot) Lot
Avalanche Discussion
December 11th marked the end of a 9-day streak of abnormally warm weather where temperatures remained above freezing at night above 3500'. While rain wreaked havoc by melting snow in the valley, the snowpack experienced a period of healing while our personal happiness and optimism for winter diminished. The warm spell assisted previously weak sugary snow (facets) to round and bond, which is good news for future loading events. The last reported avalanche was a week ago. That being said, forecasters have been some of the few backcountry enthusiasts this week, while many have chosen to wait for more snow and better days.
The likelihood of triggering a persistent slab has trended from stubborn to unreactive this week. Finding a location to trigger a slab will be challenging and likely exists in isolated and extreme terrain above 3500' where a slab-weak layer (stronger over weaker snow) exists and is more likely to have persisted throughout the warm spell. On Friday, forecasters observed improved stability and slabs loosening as a result of colder temperatures. Cooler temperatures forecasted for this weekend will continue to help the snowpack lose density and facet out snow surfaces which will slowly improve riding conditions. In many locations, the lack of continuity of a both a slab and weak layer combined with numerous exposed rocks will reduce the likelihood of triggering an avalanche. That being said, today's most welcome new snow combined with low visibility will make it challenging to see old firm wind slabs and cross loaded features.
Riding conditions have improved very slowly and marginally. Sastrugi, raised tracks, and other wind-sculpted firm shapes are a widespread hazard, hiding just under this shallow blanket of new snow.
The saying, “low danger does not mean no danger” is a good reminder to maintain good travel habits. Watch for any red flags like cracking and collapsing and use safe travel protocol including only exposing one person at a time, having escape routes planned, spotting our partners and using safe zones appropriately.
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RECENT AVALANCHES
No recent avalanches have been observed or reported since December 7th.