Bollettino valanghe

Hatcher Pass

Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center
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Pericolo valanghe

Tue
Alta quota
4 · Forte
Limite del bosco
3 · Marcato
Sotto il limite
3 · Marcato
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In sintesi

The avalanche danger is HIGH above 3500' for STORM SLAB and PERSISTENT SLAB avalanches. Below 3500', the danger is CONSIDERABLE. 

Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.

Heavy snowfall and strong winds over the last several days have created dangerous avalanche conditions at upper elevations. Natural and human-triggered avalanches are likely. Expect the size and likelihood of triggering a slide to increase as you climb in elevation into deeper snow and wind-exposed terrain. 

Avoid gullies and terrain traps at mid and low elevations where natural avalanches from above could concentrate, running further than you may expect. 

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS: 

Yesterday was our final scheduled forecast of the season. However, we have decided to continue to issue danger ratings during this ongoing storm cycle. As this storm tapers, we will transition to issuing general information products on Mondays and Fridays or as conditions warrant. Thank you to everyone who donated, joined us for events, or submitted observations. 

DONATE - HPAC is a nonprofit avalanche center, meaning our fundraising doesn't come from the state or federal government. We rely on local businesses and community support to bring you the most accurate avalanche information for Hatcher Pass. Donate here to contribute to our Spring Fundraising Drive. Any amount is encouraged, thanks to a generous donor; all gifts will be matched up to $5k until May 1.

Survey- If you read the forecast, submitted an observation, saw our social media, or even if you just enjoyed the snow at the Pass this winter, please fill out this brief survey to help us better understand Hatcher Pass and how we can improve our messaging and information. 

Problemi valanghivi

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alta quota
    • Limite del bosco
    • Sotto il limite del bosco
    Probabilità
    Likely
    Dimensione
    1–3

    Nearly 2 feet of new snow has fallen at upper elevations since Wednesday afternoon. You can expect the size and depth of new snow problems to increase as you climb in elevation. At upper elevations, where winds have drifted snow, thicker, more reactive slabs of new snow will exist.

    You can manage this problem by seeking lower-elevation, lower-angle terrain and avoiding gullies and terrain traps where avalanche debris could collect. Today is a day to stay out of avalanche terrain, where natural avalanches large enough to bury a person are likely.

    Springtime is variable and dynamic, making managing avalanche problems difficult, as conditions can change rapidly with aspect, elevation, and time of day. Low- and mid-elevations might appear safe, but could be threatened by avalanches above. Simply put, this is one of the largest storms of the season for Hatcher's weak snowpack. Give the snowpack time to adjust before testing it with your weight. 

    (4/17/2026) Skier-triggered slide at upper elevations within the new wind-drifted snow. 

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alta quota
    • Limite del bosco
    • Sotto il limite del bosco
    Probabilità
    Possible
    Dimensione
    1.5–3

    Recent snow has loaded buried weak layers, and you may be able to trigger persistent slab avalanches up to 2-3' deep.

    You are most likely to encounter these pockets on northerly slopes in steep and extreme terrain above 35 degrees, where weak snow lingers below old, buried wind crusts. Skier on Friday found weak snow buried below old crusts and intentionally triggered a small slide. There are exceptionally weak layers in our snowpack, and additional weight accumulated over the last few days of incremental snowfall could be tipped today and help produce very large avalanches. The shading above represents where you are most likely to find old wind crusts above facets, but be wary of any slope where you find this setup. It would not be impossible to find this structure on a solar aspect, where now-buried, brittle melt-freeze crusts overlay sugary snow below.

    (4/17/2026) Skiers yesterday intentionally triggered a small slide, failing on weak snow in the upper snowpack. This happened after triggering a small new snow avalanche. 

Avalanche Discussion

Snowfall will begin to taper as we enter the work week, and as new snow settles, slopes will begin to become more stable. However, Hatcher Pass just experienced one of, if not the biggest, storms of the season. Today is a day to stay out of avalanche terrain. Signs of instability, like snowpack cracking or collapsing, may not be obvious, and your only sign of instability may be triggering a slide. These are the days that catch recreationists and professionals alike off guard—where new snow and hazards increase with elevation, and conditions at the trailhead are not representative of what you'll find in the starting zone. 

RECENT AVALANCHES: 

Over the last several days, visibility was limited, but skiers reported some small soft slabs and point-release avalanches in upper elevations. On Friday, forecasters and skiers in the field overserved natural warming-induced loose snow slides on a variety of aspects late in the day. These slides failed within the new snow or at the new/old snow interface; avalanches began as small point releases, entraining damp snow as they moved downhill. Additionally, skiers in the IM bowl intentionally triggered a small slide on buried weak layers after triggering a small avalanche in wind-drifted snow. Check out the observation page for more information on these avalanches. 

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