Welcome to the 2023/24 season!
Early season operations:
- The Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center will begin issuing intermittent snow, weather and avalanche updates as conditions warrant from now through mid November.
- Avalanche forecasts are planned to begin around mid-November depending on conditions.
Early season reminders:
- You may not expect avalanche problems early in the season but being prepared and carrying all the proper rescue gear is essential.
- Early season shallow coverage also means buried hazards are close to the surface, such as rocks.
- It is not uncommon for people to be surprised and trigger deadly avalanches early season at Hatcher Pass with limited snow cover.
- Watch for signs of instability – the Red Flags (recent avalanches, cracking/whumphing in the snow around you, strong wind, recent snowfall and/or rain).
- Heading into the mountains during, or right after a snowfall is the most dangerous time. This is when avalanches are most likely to occur; especially important to realize for hunters and others that may not have avalanches in the forefront of their minds.
- PLEASE send us your reports if you head into the mountains! It’s easy – even just a photo is greatly appreciated. Tag social media posts with #hpavy for quick-hit web searches for our community.
Avalanche rescue gear and communications:
- Be sure your rescue gear is working properly before the season kicks off.
- Beacons (avalanche transceivers) need fresh batteries, check for corrosion
- Probes need to be properly assembled with no weak points in the cable or housing
- Shovels are working, not damaged and is actually a proper avalanche shovel
- Airbags should be charged, working properly, and tested
- Is your InReach up to date and associated with the correct contacts
- 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 and the AK Guide Collective to sign up for a course.
HPAC could not exist without the support of our community. Please consider a donation to directly fund our forecasting. To learn more about corporate sponsorship and get your logo on our forecasts, click here.
Remember, to keep tabs on current events/information for the early season on our Facebook page and Instagram!