You may not expect avalanche problems early season, being prepared and carrying all the proper rescue gear is a must.
We have seen numerous avalanche incidents throughout the years at Hatcher Pass in October and November where people were not expecting avalanche problems to exist due to low snow.
While snow coverage is shallow and avalanche hazard is generally low, any coverage that allows for skiing, riding, or boarding can also be capable of avalanches.
If you are getting out into the backcountry, we highly recommend safe travel protocol, spacing out, and spotting which also helps to build and sustain good habits for this season and seasons to come.
Snow has already been accumulating in the mountains, and at the upper most elevations and deeper into the Talkeetnas, people have already been getting out on skis and boards.
It’s generally shallow cover, so bring your rock skis and expect rocks and other hazards just below the snow surface.
It’s time to get your gear and get it ready. Ensure beacons do not have corrosion on batteries and battery contacts, replace with new batteries, test functionality. Ensure you shovel and probe are fully functional and if anything needs replacement get it now, ahead of the season. Even when there is no snow on the ground, you can practice the basics of companion rescue with beacons. Its always a good idea to get a jump start and re-familiarize yourself with rescue procedures and your specific gear.
If you have not completed an avalanche course, spaces are extremely limited and resources can be scarce, so contact your local provider and sign up early! Also, if you need financial assistance there are a number of scholarships available, including through HPAC here. We recommend contacting the AK Avalanche School to sign up for a course.
Avalanche advisories will start in mid-November. HPAC will publish 2-3 avalanche forecasts a week. Educational programming is expanding in local schools through a generous grant from Mat-Su Health Foundation. Our scholarship program is growing and we look forward to strengthening our relationship with motorized and non-motorized user groups.
Marissa Bieger is our new Executive Director. She will be coordinating educational programs, handling administrative tasks, and focusing on fundraising.
HPAC could not exist without the support of our community. To support HPAC individually please see our website (link in bio). To learn more about corporate sponsorship please email marissa@hpavalanche.org
Stay tuned for season start up information. If you get out for some early season action, please submit observations via our website and tag us at #hpavy
