Avalanche forecast

Hatcher Pass

Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

The avalanche danger remains LOW with no significant weather in sight. 

Conditions are generally stable, but it is still important to maintain safe travel habits like only exposing one person at a time on steep terrain and watching partners from safe spots outside of avalanche runout zones.

Take note of large overhanging cornices and give them a wide berth. 

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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Join HPAC for the next State of the Snowpack at Blue & Gold in Wasilla on February 26th at 7pm. 

Avalanche Discussion

Clear and cooler weather has dominated Hatcher Pass for the past two weeks and has slightly improved conditions, increased stability, and left us wondering if winter is over or more is to come. It has been 18 days since we have measured any significant precipitation. The low that is brewing to the south of us will not impact Hatchers this go around. Numerous people have been out riding, mostly up Archangel and fewer on the Willow side, as well as 4068', Wimp Bowl and Halibut Tail, without any reported avalanches.  Conditions are generally stable, however, there is a small chance you may encounter isolated pockets of unstable snow in steep terrain.  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.

  • It may be possible to human trigger small, shallow WIND SLABS that formed yesterday and overnight above 3500' on West to North aspects on the front end of the forecast zone near Arkose Ridge, Government, Frostbite, and 4068'. Winds gusted southeast 25-32mph for 15 hours, while calm to light winds were felt in protected locations and the back of the valley. Keep an eye out for hollow feeling pillows of snow or shooting cracks in wind loaded areas to identify slopes with newly formed wind slabs.  
  • Be aware of overhead hazards like CORNICES which may be present on leeward aspects across our advisory area, and can release unexpectedly. If you're traveling along ridgelines, give cornices plenty of room, since they often break further back than we'd expect.

 

RECENT AVALANCHES:

No recent avalanches have been observed or reported in the forecast area since 1/27. 

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