Bollettino valanghe

Hatcher Pass

Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center
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Sun
Alta quota
1 · Debole
Limite del bosco
1 · Debole
Sotto il limite
Senza grado
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In sintesi

The avalanche danger is LOW on all mid and upper elevation slopes. Below about 2500' there is insufficient snow for a rating. 

By all accounts, there's not really enough snow to be skiing at Hatcher Pass, but that's not holding anyone back.

An exceedingly thin, early-season snowpack is faceting under clear, cold skies. Strong winds in late October loaded upper-elevation northwesterly facing slopes and created some isolated instabilities. 

The biggest challenge is finding enough snow to travel off established roadways, and the biggest hazard is encountering rocks obscured by just a skiff of snow. Welcome to the 2025/26 season!

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:

This will be the only advisory for the weekend. We will continue regular forecasts when there is sufficient snow. 

Avalanche Discussion

The primary problem at Hatcher Pass is a lack of snow. The primary avalanche problem is faceted snow buried 1-3ft deep below stiff wind slabs created late in October. The structure and distribution of this problem is isolated to wind-loaded patches of upper-elevation, west through north-facing slopes, generally just below ridgelines. While a recent human-triggered avalanche on these layers indicates its potential remains, cold and clear conditions are working to facet the snowpack and make this problem even more stubborn and unlikely. Only our most intrepid and ambitious skiers are likely to encounter this problem. Still, it remains a possibility that if you're at upper elevations and have found nice wind-drifted snow to ski or build a jump on, you're likely gliding just above these layers. 

If you're getting out and about this weekend, be prepared to encounter rocks. A lot of rocks. Wear a helmet and bring your rock skis. Areas that hold the most snow are where I'd expect to find the instabilities mentioned above. These include zones closer to the front side of the range, like Government Peak, April Bowl, Eldorado Bowl, and the back side of Skyscraper in upper Willow Basin. But good luck getting there.

Early season is a great time to dust off your skills and check your gear. Remember to always:

  • Ski or ride with a partner
  • Bring a beacon, shovel, and probe. Know how to use them!
  • One at a time through avalanche terrain or across suspect slopes.
  • Make a plan and consider the consequences of a slide in steep, rocky terrain.

A thin snowpack is a weak snowpack. It's another lean start to the season here at Hatcher Pass, but folks are out making the most of it, finding turns, and tuning up for the season ahead. More snow is on the way, so keep your tips up while we wait! 

RECENT AVALANCHES:

In the first half of November, two unintentionally triggered slides occurred in April Bow. Both resulted in the skier or rider getting caught and carried but remaining uninjured. An observation from the most recent avalanche is available here.

Regioni coperte