Bollettino valanghe

Hatcher Pass

Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center
Vedi sulla mappa

Pericolo valanghe

Sun
Alta quota
2 · Moderato
Limite del bosco
2 · Moderato
Sotto il limite
1 · Debole
Open full map
Non aggiornato — questo bollettino è scaduto 2 years ago. Stai vedendo condizioni passate, non il bollettino in corso.

In sintesi

The avalanche danger is MODERATE for PERSISTENT SLAB above 2500 ft on all aspects. The danger remains LOW below 2500 ft. 

A lingering, persistent weak layer at the base of the snowpack continues to be problematic.

Human triggered persistent slab avalanches up to 3 feet deep will be possible to trigger today.

Hatcher Pass resembles a lunar landscape after days of extreme wind, with challenging travel conditions only for the hearty. 

No significant weather shift is in sight for the weekend.

-------------------------------------------------------

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Free Avalanche Rescue Workshop:

Saturday, December 14th – 12PM-3PMHatcher Pass – Fishhook (Marmot) Lot

Problemi valanghivi

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alta quota
    • Limite del bosco
    • Sotto il limite del bosco
    Probabilità
    Possible
    Dimensione
    1–2

    Persistent slabs up to 3 feet thick will be possible to human trigger on all aspects at mid and upper elevation on slopes 30º and steeper.  Natural avalanches are unlikely. Remotely triggering a large avalanche is possible.  

    Extreme winds from 12/3-5 build thick slabs, mostly on west to north aspects, that overloaded buried weak layers.  However, due to the duration and intensity of winds, all aspects above 2500' have wind affected features and concerns. If visibility allows, look for suspect smooth surfaces (see photo below) on cross loaded sidewalls and gullies on more windward aspects as well as deeper thicker slabs on leeward terrain, especially near and below ridgeline.  Slabs are still sensitive, as seen by forecasters on Friday, who triggered an avalanche from the ridgeline on Hatch. Firm, cohesive slabs (formed by the wind) are sitting on weak sugary facets and/or a firm icy bed surface formed in early October. The variability is extreme with the size and distribution of these slabs, ranging from 6" to 3' thick.  Expect avalanches to fail mid-pack or at the ground depending on aspect, elevation, and snowpack structure. 

    Mild temperatures will continue to slowly assist in increased stability overtime. Expect this problem to trend from sensitive to stubborn in the coming days. 

    We continue to recommend attention to safe travel protocol.  Spread out, only one person on the slope at a time, identify and use safe zones, don’t group up at the base of avalanche terrain. Avoid slopes with terrain traps, and choose slopes with gentle, fanning run-outs.

    Recent avalanches, whumping, collapsing, and shooting cracks are red flags for this problem.

    If you are brave enough to travel the scoured, icy, firm slopes at the Pass this weekend, we recommend ski crampons, hop turn and side slipping techniques and a positive attitude. 

    Walking across the bed surface to do a crown profile on a recent avalanche triggered from the ridge yesterday on Hatch.  N 3800'

    Photo: Andrew Dennis

Avalanche Discussion

RECENT AVALANCHES

Strong to extreme winds transported most of the snowpack earlier this week, which resulted in several natural and human triggered avalanches.  On Friday, we observed several natural slabs avalanches that likely occurred on 12/5 on the N aspect of 4068, SW face of Marmot, N face of Hatch Common, and the W face of the Waterfall path off Arkose ridge. In addition, a remotely triggered avalanche was reported on the NE/E aspect of Frostbite. On 12/6 a party triggered an avalanche on the N face of Hatch off the ridgeline. For more info, see Friday observations here.

Regioni coperte