Hatcher Pass

Large human-triggered avalanches are unlikely, but small slides in isolated terrain aren't out of the question. The danger is LOW. 

If you were to find trouble, it would likely be in upper elevation terrain with more than a few inches of recent snowfall on top of slick surfaces or weak sugary snow below.Be heads up for changing conditions this afternoon if strong easterly winds arrive earlier than expected. 

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Weeks of clear, dry weather and blustery winds have left the fledgling Hatcher Pass snowpack weak and variable. 2-3" of snow shouldn't be enough to tip the scale despite the poor structure, but if you were to find trouble, it would most likely be in areas where: 

• You find a slick, wind-buffed slope with more than a few inches of new snow on the surface. You may be able to trigger small sloughs that could knock you off your feet in extreme terrain.
• The wind has moved the snow around enough to build thin drifts above weak snow below. These likely only exist in isolated areas near or just below ridge tops, gullies, or alpine bowls. These thin drifts won't produce large avalanches, but could have serious consequences in steep terrain.

The big question mark for today is the wind. If strong easterly winds arrive earlier than expected, the likelihood of triggering a slide will increase. Keep an eye out for drifting snow at the upper elevations, and be wary of slopes where you find thin drifts. 

Today, triggering a large avalanche is unlikely, but don't rule out the possibility of a small slide in extreme terrain. Today is a good day to slow down and reacclimate to wintry conditions after nearly 3 weeks of clear skies and no snowfall. 

Recent Avalanches:

There have been no natural or human-triggered avalanches observed since the weekend of December 6-7. See all recent observations here.