Avalanche forecast

Hatcher Pass

Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 7 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The avalanche danger is MODERATE above 2500' for Persistent Slab avalanches. The danger is LOW elsewhere. 

A skier or rider could trigger a slide on slopes steeper than about 30 degrees, where weak snow near the ground or below stiff old wind drifts remains a concern. Before committing to steep slopes, assess the snowpack for buried weak layers. You can simplify your decision-making by seeking lower-angle slopes or slopes free of exposed rocks and cliffs. 

We will update this product by Friday, January 16th, or as conditions warrant. 

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Join us for our next State of the Snowpack chat on Wednesday, January 14th, at the Blue and Gold Boardshop in Wasilla with guest speaker Adam Smith, the mountain manager from Skeetawk.

Winter is here! Come and celebrate with us at the 8th Annual HPAC Cabin Fever Reliever on Saturday, February 7th! More info and tickets here. 

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    It has been four days since a human-triggered avalanche was reported (Avalanche); however, skiers and riders continue to report widespread collapsing across the forecast area. This is enough to keep this problem on the list, and triggering a slide 2-3.5 feet thick remains possible. 

    • Avalanches will be more likely on slopes steeper than about 30 degrees. 
    • Whumphing and collapsing of the snowpack are indications that there is weak snow failing near the ground. 
    • You may be able to trigger slides in gullies, alpine bowls, or on convex rolls where December's wind formed smooth, firm slabs over weak snow below (Photo). 
    • As last week's storm snow settles and stiffens, triggering a slide where recent snow fell on weak snow near the ground isn't out of the question (Photo). 

    Before committing to steep slopes, take the time to dig down and assess for these weak layers. You can decrease your risk by riding slopes one at a time and choosing slopes free of exposed rocks, cliffs, or gullies. 

    Photo: Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

Wind Slabs: 

You may find lingering wind slabs across the forecast area. These most likely exist on upper elevation slopes near ridgelines, mid-slope ribs, or alpine bowls. These will likely be small and difficult to trigger. Look for signs of recent wind loading, like drifts forming along prominent terrain features, a textured snow surface, or a stiff upper snowpack. If the wind increases ahead of the next storm cycle, expect the likelihood of triggering a slide to increase, and to find this problem in more places. 

Recent Avalanches:

On Thursday, January 8th, a party triggered a small avalanche on the bench below Microdot that failed on a persistent weak layer. See all recent observations here. 

Regions covered