Bollettino valanghe

Hatcher Pass

Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center
Vedi sulla mappa

Pericolo valanghe

Fri
Alta quota
2 · Moderato
Limite del bosco
1 · Debole
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 3500 ft on all aspects. The danger remains LOW below 3500 ft. 

It remains possible to trigger avalanches up to 3 feet deep on a weak layer of facets near the bottom of the snowpack. 

Natural avalanches are unlikely, but remotely triggering an avalanche is possible.  

Approach slopes with smooth, stiff, or hollow-sounding snow with caution. Consider spacing out when appropriate and travel on suspect slopes one at a time. 

Problemi valanghivi

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    With the last week of warm temperatures, we have seen a healing, shallow snowpack at low and mid elevations. Since December 2nd, the area has experienced 9 nights of above freezing overnight temperatures up to 3,500'. Weak, faceted snow is becoming moist and more cohesive. At higher elevations, we are still seeing poor structure with intact, hard wind slabs that have endured the recent warm up conditions sitting over ice and large facets at the ground. While the lower snowpack is slowly healing, this problem has continued to exist. 

    Due to diminished ski quality typified by scouring and variable snow surfaces, recreators have not been venturing out much to areas of smoother, previously wind loaded terrain to poke at this problem. Despite the lack of feedback, it may still be possible to find and trigger persistent slabs at upper elevations in isolated terrain features where lingering slabs from last week's multi-day wind event have either created new weak layers in the snowpack or deeper to the ground on our October frozen rain crust. Yesterday (12/11), we experienced isolated collapsing in areas with this structure and saw propagation in tests indicating you may still be able to find this problem and trigger an avalanche.

    You are most likely to find persistent slabs in isolated features like gullies and couloirs that are firm and supportive of a skier or rider's weight. Whumphing, cracking and collapsing are all signs of instability. You will be more likely to trigger these slabs on slopes 30° and steeper. Assess and avoid suspect slopes and use of safe travel protocol will help you manage this problem.  Spread out, only place one person on the slope at a time, regroup in safe areas, and avoid terrain traps.

Avalanche Discussion

RECENT WEATHER & AVALANCHES: 

The last week was unseasonably warm. We had trace rain events up to 3,500' and 2" of snow at mid-upper elevations on 12/10-12/11. There have not been any recent human-triggered avalanches since  December 7th in April Bowl following a period of strong gusting extreme East and Southeast winds. During this same period, forecasters were able to remotely trigger a persistent slab avalanche on Hatch Peak. Since then, recreators have largely avoided firm, wind loaded areas where you are most likely to trigger hard slab avalanches. While this problem is becoming more unlikely, as people venture out into avalanche terrain on leeward aspects, you may experience feedback on our current structure at upper elevations. 

Regioni coperte