Hatcher Pass

Intense sunshine combined with warmer than average temperatures contributed to a natural loose wet avalanche cycle Monday through Thursday this week. Numerous D1-D1.5 sluffs (aka point release) were observed on southerly aspects, southeast to southwest, on slopes steeper than 40º. Avalanches were observed in numerous locations up Archangel Valley, Martin Mine, and Independence Mine Bowl to name a few.

3/21 Natural Loose Wet avalanche that crossed the skin track above Babe Ruth at 4500′ on SE aspect

3/21 Natural Loose Wet avalanches on SW aspect at 4500′-5000′ on Cross Hill and Gold Chord (in the distance) and SE aspect at 4500′ on Babe Ruth

As spring wraps the corner rapidly, cornices have been observed creeping and detaching from existing slopes.

In specific upper elevation leeward aspects, large cornices are creeping and at risk of releasing. Give cornices a wide berth!            E. Ridge of Rae Wallace 4,500. Photo: Blake Hanson

Our general Normal Caution wording reads as follows: This is not a specific avalanche problem. It is used by HPAC forecasters most often when avalanche conditions are generally safe and there is no predominant avalanche problem. Any avalanche type is possible but the most common problem today would be loose wet or wind slab avalanches and they would be expected to be small.  Continue to keep your guard up and look for any signs of snow instability. Evaluate snow and weather conditions as you travel.

Wet avalanches may be possible with warming today. If the snow becomes unsupportable and unstable, seek low angle terrain. Clouds will predominate the weather pattern today combined with light wind, keeping snow surfaces cool and frozen at mid and upper elevation.  Expect snow surfaces to soften at low elevation in the afternoon.  If the sun makes a presence, expect small wet loose avalanches to be possible to trigger in steep terrain on southerly aspects at all elevations. Rollerballs and pinwheels are obvious precursors to wet loose avalanches.