Date | Rating | Problem #1 | Problem #2 | The Bottom Line |
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Normal Caution
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The avalanche danger remains at a LOW hazard at all elevations. Excellent stability and cool temperatures have preserved snow quality in many locations. It may be possible to trigger small avalanches in isolated terrain. A couple inches of new snow is in the forecast for Saturday through Sunday. [Read More] | ||
Normal Caution
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With another weekend of minimal new snow, light winds and warmer temperatures, the hazard rating is LOW at all elevations and aspects. Use aspect to your advantage for seeking quality snow to avoid areas that have been sun and wind affected. There is a slight chance for snow going into the weekend but this will [Read More] | ||
Normal Caution
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The avalanche hazard is LOW at all elevations today. Expect small dry loose sluffs to be possible to human trigger in steep terrain and manageable in size. Excellent riding conditions exist in many locations. Keep your fingers crossed for a couple inches of new snow late Saturday through Sunday. [Read More] | ||
Normal Caution
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The avalanche hazard is LOW. Triggering an avalanche large enough to bury a person will be unlikely. Small, loose dry sluffs in steep isolated locations are the primary concern. [Read More] | ||
Wind Slabs
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The avalanche hazard is MODERATE today above 2500 ft. Human triggering a wind slab avalanche formed by yesterday’s wind will be possible today on southwest through north aspects. Watch out for and avoid locations where winds have deposited snow, or places that are actively drifting snow today. Expect a day with minus temperatures and frostbite [Read More] | ||
Normal Caution
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Triggering an avalanche today remains unlikely. All aspects and elevations are at a LOW avalanche danger until we have a change from the current weather pattern. Even on low hazard days, it is a good idea to have a plan and clear terrain management strategies for ascents and descents. With plenty of snow available for [Read More] | ||
Normal Caution
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The avalanche hazard is LOW at all elevations. Natural and human triggered avalanches are unlikely but not impossible. Small lingering slabs and dry loose sluffs will be possible in isolated locations. Thursday’s storm has significantly improved snow quality and coverage. Riding lower angle terrain where the firm crust ceases to be felt underfoot will be [Read More] | ||
Wind Slabs
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Storm Slabs
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All aspects and elevations are rising from MODERATE to CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger as a strong winter storm brings a much needed refresh to the slopes of Hatcher Pass. Natural avalanches are possible. Human triggering a small to large avalanche will be likely, as 8 to 12 inches of new snow accumulates throughout the day. Reevaluate [Read More] | ||
Wind Slabs
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A MODERATE avalanche hazard exists for wind slabs above 3500 ft where triggering a small to large avalanche remains possible. Triggering a wind slab below 3500 ft will be unlikely. After 5 days of strong wind, snow surfaces resemble walking on the moon especially above 3500ft. Warmer temperatures will persist throughout the weekend and contribute [Read More] | ||
Wind Slabs
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Wet Loose
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A MODERATE avalanche danger exists at all elevations. Above 2500 feet strong winds have formed slabs of dense snow which contributed to a large natural avalanche cycle. It will be possible to trigger a wind slab avalanche on terrain steeper than 35° in the mid and upper elevations on aspects which face southwest through northeast. [Read More] | ||
Wind Slabs
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A CONSIDERABLE avalanche hazard exists for wind slabs where triggering a slab up to 16 inches thick will be LIKELY on southwest to northeast aspects above 3000ft. Triggering an avalanche below 3000 ft is unlikely. Natural avalanches are unlikely today. Winds tapered as of late Saturday night prior to 4 inches of new snow reported [Read More] | ||
Wind Slabs
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A MODERATE avalanche hazard exists for WIND SLABS on Southwest to Northeast aspects above 3500 ft. The avalanche hazard is LOW below 3500 ft. where triggering an avalanche will be unlikely. Avalanche stability and general conditions have been excellent for several weeks AND a shift is on the horizon. Expect strong winds to persist throughout [Read More] | ||
Normal Caution
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The avalanche danger is LOW on all aspects and elevations. During this forecast period small loose dry avalanches in steep isolated terrain is the primary concern. Expect increasing wind on Friday that may affect surface snow quality, so enjoy the superb conditions while they last. [Read More] | ||
Dry Loose
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The avalanche danger is MODERATE for dry loose avalanches (sluffs) at all elevations where triggering a sluff large enough to injure or bury a person is possible. Natural avalanches are unlikely. Today will mark the 7th day in a row with below zero temperatures, more faceted powder than the day before, and a great day [Read More] | ||
Dry Loose
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The avalanche danger is MODERATE at the mid and upper elevations and LOW below 2500 feet. It will be possible to trigger dry loose avalanches within the recent snow on terrain steeper than 40°. Natural avalanches are unlikely to occur. With continued arctic air temperatures expect this avalanche problem to remain active for the next few [Read More] | ||
Normal Caution
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The avalanche danger remains LOW today at all elevations, on all aspects. Triggering an avalanche will be unlikely. Expect to find lingering yet stubborn old wind slabs in many locations which will impact skiing and riding quality. Frostbite will be the biggest hazard of the day with below zero temperatures expected to persist through the [Read More] | ||
Normal Caution
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It will remain unlikely to trigger a large avalanche while we are at LOW danger. It may be possible to trigger small avalanches in isolated locations on terrain steeper than 40°. Use the current conditions to explore new terrain or practice your companion rescue skills with partners. [Read More] | ||
Wind Slabs
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The avalanche danger is MODERATE for lingering wind slabs on southeast through west aspects above 2500 ft. Below 2500 ft the avalanche danger is LOW. This week’s wind event changed conditions in many locations from epic powder to the more familiar variable conditions Hatcher is famous for. Terrain protected from the wind will be the [Read More] | ||
Wind Slabs
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Dry Loose
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The avalanche danger has increased to CONSIDERABLE for Wind Slabs up to 10 inches deep in specific locations above 3500 feet. A MODERATE danger for Loose Dry avalanches exists in terrain steeper than 40° on all aspects and elevations. Strong winds are actively transporting the recent snow onto aspects which face east through west and [Read More] | ||
Normal Caution
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The avalanche danger remains LOW at all elevations. The likelihood is low and the consequences are small but the possibility exists for triggering a small sluff or lingering slab avalanche in steep isolated or extreme terrain. Stable conditions combined with excellent faceted powder will make today a great day to check off your favorite line [Read More] | ||
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On all aspects and elevations the avalanche danger remains LOW. Small human triggered Loose Dry avalanches are possible in steep isolated terrain at upper elevation. You can find the best riding conditions on slopes in the mid and low elevations that were protected from the wind. [Read More] | ||
Normal Caution
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The avalanche hazard is LOW today at all elevations. Human triggering small dry loose sluffs on steep slopes or small wind slabs near ridgeline will be possible in isolated and extreme terrain. Mild temperatures, low wind speeds, sunshine and excellent riding conditions are on the menu for today. Cross your fingers for another small pulse [Read More] | ||
Wind Slabs
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The avalanche danger is MODERATE for WIND SLABS on southwest through north aspects at upper elevation. Strong winds on January 2nd have transported snow from windward locations to these aspects where triggering slabs up to 3 inches thick is possible. While the danger remains LOW below 3500 feet, small avalanches in isolated and extreme terrain [Read More] | ||
Normal Caution
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The avalanche danger is LOW at all elevations. Generally safe avalanche conditions exist in the majority of the forecast area. Human triggered avalanches in isolated locations are unlikely but not impossible. Be sure to stick with safe travel protocols, including only exposing one person at a time to steep terrain, watching your partners from safe zones, and [Read More] | ||
Normal Caution
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Without a major loading event our snowpack has stabilized and we have not seen avalanche activity since 12/23. The avalanche hazard is LOW for all elevations and all aspects. Triggering an avalanche at LOW danger is unlikely, but it does not mean that it is impossible. Choose terrain wisely, have a skilled partner, and adjust [Read More] | ||
Wind Slabs
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The avalanche hazard has risen to CONSIDERABLE for WIND SLABS up to 12 inches deep above 3000 ft . Natural avalanches are possible. A MODERATE hazard exists for PERSISTENT SLABS up to 16 inches deep above 3000 ft. Strong winds have persisted over the past 30 hours building wind slabs on southwest to north aspects [Read More] | ||
Wind Slabs
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The avalanche danger is MODERATE today for new wind slabs that formed overnight and are expected to build throughout the next 24 hours. A lingering hazard exists for triggering a persistent slab up to 12 inches thick or a small dry loose avalanche in steep terrain. It might seem like April fools but in fact [Read More] | ||
Dry Loose
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Persistent Slabs
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There is a MODERATE avalanche danger on all aspects and elevations. 10 to 17 inches of new snow over the last 4 days has resulted in relatively few natural and human triggered avalanches in steep terrain and/or on firm bed surface layers that contain weak snow grains. Slopes over 40º in steepness should be approached [Read More] | ||
Wind Slabs
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The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE today at all elevations where intense snowfall has rapidly accumulated over the past 5 hours and will continue to contribute to wind and storm slabs and dry loose problems throughout the day. Expect strong winds from Saturday to have built sensitive slabs that will be lurking under the new snow [Read More] | ||
Storm Slabs
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Dry Loose
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9 inches of new snow accumulated over 9 hours which has increased the avalanche danger! A CONSIDERABLE hazard exists for STORM SLABS on slopes 35º and steeper and DRY LOOSE on slopes 40º and steeper at upper elevation, on all aspects. A MODERATE hazard exists at mid elevation. A LOW hazard exists at low elevation. [Read More] | ||
Dry Loose
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Small incremental loads over the past 5 days have brought 10 to 12 inches of new snow to Hatcher, significantly improving conditions. A MODERATE hazard exists for human triggering small dry loose avalanches on all aspects on slopes 40° and steeper in specific locations. Natural avalanches are unlikely. Rocks continue to lurk under the surface on southerly aspects. Another [Read More] | ||
Dry Loose
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8-10″ of new low density snow has accumulated over the last 48 hours. A moderate hazard exists for human triggering small dry loose avalanches on all aspects on slopes 40° and steeper in specific locations. In locations with previously firm surfaces, these will be easier to trigger and larger in volume. The basal facets which [Read More] | ||
Persistent Slabs
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The persistent slab problem continues to be on our radar and is slowly strengthening over time. It has been 10 days since the last significant avalanche cycle. 3-5″ of new snow over the past 24hrs will greatly improve riding conditions today. Another pulse of snow is expected late Thursday. [Read More] | ||
Persistent Slabs
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Human-triggered, large avalanches failing at the ground up to 3 feet deep will be possible today on all aspects at mid to upper elevations. The good news is the weak layer at the base of the snowpack, which has been problematic so far this season, is slowly improving in stability. The bad news is this [Read More] | ||
Persistent Slabs
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The potential for large avalanches to fail in weak, deeper snow still exists in specific locations at upper elevation. Strong wind on Tuesday has redistributed new snow and formed variable wind slabs in many locations that are mostly unreactive and will make it challenging to have your best day ever. Stability continues to improve at [Read More] | ||
Storm Slabs
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Wind Slabs
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The avalanche hazard is CONSIDERABLE for STORM SLABS at all elevations and MODERATE rising to CONSIDERABLE by end of day for WIND SLABS at upper elevations on slopes steeper than 35º. A sneaker storm hit Hatcher Pass depositing 10 inches of new snow with 1.2″ of SWE at 3550′ in the past 30 hours accompanied [Read More] | ||
Persistent Slabs
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Wet Loose
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Avalanche stability at Hatcher has improved slowly with warm temperatures, but we are not out of the woods yet. A lingering persistent weak layer at the base of the snowpack continues to be problematic. Human triggered persistent slab avalanches up to 3 feet deep will be possible to trigger on all aspects at the mid [Read More] | ||
Persistent Slabs
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The avalanche hazard is MODERATE for PERSISTENT SLABS on all aspects, at all elevations, on slopes steeper than 30º. You are most likely to trigger an avalanche where the wind has formed drifts or stiffened snow surfaces. Slabs will be thickest above 3500 feet. Large avalanches failing on weak faceted snow near the base of [Read More] | ||
Persistent Slabs
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Dry Loose
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The avalanche hazard is CONSIDERABLE today for Persistent Slabs on all aspects at the mid and upper elevations in specific areas. At the lower elevations, the Persistent Slab avalanche hazard is rated Moderate. Remotely triggered avalanches will also be possible. This type of trigger is extremely difficult to predict. Loose Dry avalanches will be likely [Read More] | ||
Persistent Slabs
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The avalanche hazard remains HIGH today in the mid and upper elevations due to an unusual early winter storm. We do not recommend traveling in avalanche terrain today. The hazard remains Moderate at low elevations. If you are tempted to travel in the low elevations, remember that avalanches from above in the mid-elevation band may [Read More] | ||
Persistent Slabs
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Storm Slabs
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A significant storm with heavy precipitation will overload our weak snowpack and result in large natural avalanches today. Avalanches will be very likely on all aspects at the mid to upper elevations by the afternoon. Overnight we received 11″ of new snow with another 10-14″ forecasted for today, and another 8″ forecasted for this evening [Read More] | ||
Persistent Slabs
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We are off to an avalanchy start to the season! Numerous large natural avalanches capable of injuring and/or burying people occurred during or just after the 11/8/23 storm. Dangerous avalanche conditions exist at the mid to upper elavations. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding, and conservative decision-making are essential when traveling in avalanche terrain, especially at [Read More] | ||
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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 [Read More] | ||
Normal Caution
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Although the forecast season has finished, the avalanche season has not. Please read below for some tips on NAVIGATING THE BACKCOUNTRY IN SPRINGTIME and AVALANCHE PROBLEMS ON THE HORIZON. Temperatures have risen significantly this week. Numerous natural wet avalanches have been observed including wet loose and wet slabs. Expect the avalanche danger to be dynamic as [Read More] | ||
Persistent Slabs
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Wet Loose
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This weeks large avalanche cycle deposited a significant amount of snow and water in Hatcher Pass, scaring the landscape with numerous large slab avalanches. The storm and wind slab problems from earlier in the week have healed, leaving our foe and friend the persistent slab as the sole problem. The avalanche danger is MODERATE for [Read More] | ||
Storm Slabs
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Wind Slabs
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Apparently April is the new January. A dynamic and fast moving storm has deposited 30″+ of new snow with 2.5″ of water (SWE) in the last 48 hrs combined with wind and intense warming during the day on Wednesday. The avalanche danger is HIGH for STORM SLAB at mid and upper elevation and CONSIDERABLE at [Read More] | ||
Storm Slabs
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Wind Slabs
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Some might call this a Passover Miracle. Others wish it was spring. Hatcher Pass has received 21 inches of new snow at 3500′ in the past 24 hours combined with moderate to strong winds and rising temperatures throughout the storm. The avalanche hazard is CONSIDERABLE for STORM SLABS, WIND SLABS, and LOOSE DRY avalanches. It [Read More] | ||
Dry Loose
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The avalanche hazard is MODERATE for DRY LOOSE on steep, upper elevation NORTH facing slopes. Normal Caution is advised for small pockets of instabilities along northerly facing ridgelines where lingering areas of wind loaded and faceted snow still exist. Additionally, if the sun comes out for any sustained period this weekend, new snow will be [Read More] | ||
Wet Loose
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Persistent Slabs
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The avalanche danger is MODERATE for WET LOOSE avalanches at all elevations, on SE to SW aspects, on slopes steeper than 35º. A LOW hazard exists for PERSISTENT SLABS on northerly aspects, NW to NE, on slopes steeper than 30º. 5-6″ of new snow this week combined with high humidity and significant cloud cover have [Read More] | ||
Persistent Slabs
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Wet Loose
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The avalanche hazard is MODERATE for PERSISTENT SLABS at mid and upper elevations on all aspects on slopes 35° or steeper. A MODERATE hazard exists for WET LOOSE avalanches on steep solar aspects at all elevations, this hazard will be most pronounced during the heat of the day. Conditions out there are pretty user friendly. [Read More] |