Did you know? HPAC is a grassroots nonprofit avalanche center funded through community donations, fundraising events, and grants. Most avalanche centers in the U.S. operate on Forest Service lands and receive federal funding, while HPAC operates on state lands. The State of Alaska has a statute to appropriate funding for avalanche centers, but the state has not allocated funding since the 1980’s.
Is HPAC a nonprofit organization? HPAC was founded in 2008. During the season of 2012-2013, HPAC joined the non-profit organization, the Alaska Avalanche Information Center. In 2017, HPAC formed an advisory board. In 2019, HPAC separated from AAIC to form its own 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We continue to operate as an independent nonprofit today.
Where do donations go? 100% of your donations go directly to the nonprofit organization, Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center, INC. EIN# 84-2765579 and help to cover operational costs. We are a small organization with a big impact.
How else can I get involved? Email us at info@hpavalanche.org if you are interested in volunteering, joining our board, or helping with fundraiser events. 
Alaskan residents – When you apply for your PFD, please choose to give a portion to HPAC. We are an official Pick. Click. Give. organization.
Sponsors – Click here to learn more about how your business can partner with HPAC.
* We also accept donations by check.
We at HPAC were devastated to lose one of our own in an avalanche accident while he was guiding in April 2026. Dylan’s family has asked HPAC to administer this fund to honor his commitment to avalanche safety and love for Hatcher Pass by creating an annual scholarship for aspiring avalanche professionals.
HPAC established the Johnny Soderstrom Memorial Scholarship in partnership with the Soderstrom family to honor Johnny’s passion for skiing and climbing by creating opportunities for avalanche education for local youth.
