| Date | Rating | Problem #1 | Problem #2 | The Bottom Line |
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 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. Expect the avalanche danger to be dynamic with the increase in daytime temperatures, multiple nights without a refreeze below 3500′ and sunshine [Read More] | ||
 Persistent Slabs
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 Dry Loose
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The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE for PERSISTENT SLABS on all aspects above 2500′ and MODERATE below 2500′. Human triggering a slab up to 30 inches thick will be likely in specific locations. Natural avalanches are unlikely. This is a low probability/high consequence situation. Remotely triggered avalanches will be possible. Triggering a small to large loose [Read More] | ||
 Storm Slabs
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Persistent Slabs
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The avalanche hazard is CONSIDERABLE for STORM SLABS and PERSISTENT SLABS at all elevations. Strong winds prior to the storm combined with 13″ of new snow and another 6-8″ forecasted today will contribute to elevated danger for the next 24-48 hours. Today marks the 3rd major April storm which has brought ample snow with new [Read More] | ||
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Persistent Slabs
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 Wind Slabs
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The hazard rating is MODERATE for Persistent Slab at all elevations on W-N-E aspects. Remotely triggering a persistent slab up to 2 feet thick is possible in isolated locations. Due to wind gusts with the start of another April storm cycle, small Wind Slab avalanches will be possible in specific locations on northerly aspects by the afternoon. Hatcher [Read More] | ||
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Persistent Slabs
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Dry Loose
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The avalanche danger is MODERATE for PERSISTENT SLAB and DRY LOOSE at all elevations. 30+ inches of new snow over the past week has shifted spring back to winter, brought the return of a persistent slab problem and finally surpassed the 5 foot mark on the Marmot lodge snowstake. Remotely triggering a persistent slab up [Read More] | ||
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Persistent Slabs
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Storm Slabs
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The avalanche danger is MODERATE for PERSISTENT SLABS at all elevations. Another winter storm will bring an additional 8-12″ of new snow to Hatcher Pass Thursday through Friday. Expect small STORM SLABS to be possible to human trigger above 2500′ in the afternoon as storm totals start to accumulate. The return to winter combined with a [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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Storm Slabs
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The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE above 3500′ for WIND SLABS. The danger is MODERATE below 3500′. Human triggered avalanches will be likely. Natural avalanches will be unlikely. The duration and intensity of the Easter Storm has added new wind and storm slab instabilities that will linger for another 24-48 hours. Carefully assess and evaluate the [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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Storm Slabs
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The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE above 2500′ for WIND SLABS. The danger is MODERATE below 2500′. Expect STORM SLABS to build throughout the day and to be likely to human trigger by the afternoon. Natural avalanches will be possible. A major winter storm with strong winds will bring an additional 6-10″ of new snow throughout [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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The avalanche danger is MODERATE for WIND SLABS above 3500′. The danger is LOW below 3500′. The Easter Bunny is coming early and bringing a surprise! Expect our stable snowpack paradigm to rapidly shift this weekend. Strong winds combined with 4-6″ of new snow Saturday followed by 12-16″ of new snow Sunday/Monday will increase avalanche [Read More] | ||
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Normal Caution
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The hazard rating today remains LOW at all aspects and elevations. A lack of snow, wind, and rapid warming has kept the snowpack safe and stable. Daytime warming has caused variable spring-like surface conditions which change in regards to aspect, elevation, and timing. A hard overnight freeze will keep most snow surfaces firm throughout the [Read More] | ||
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Normal Caution
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The avalanche danger is LOW and the snow is generally stable. Remember that Low danger does not mean No danger. Even small avalanches can be problematic in extreme terrain. With daytime warming and/or greenhousing, the snow today may become wet, unsupportable, and unstable. Move off of these slopes to shadier and cooler aspects. [Read More] | ||
 Wet Loose
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Today expect the avalanche danger to rise from LOW to MODERATE. Melting snow from direct sunlight will make it possible to trigger loose wet avalanches in steep terrain on southeast through southwest aspects. Consider timing your activities earlier and retreating to shaded aspects as the temperature increases and the sun becomes more intense. [Read More] | ||
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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] | ||
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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] | ||
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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] | ||
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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] | ||
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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] | ||
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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] | ||
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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] | ||
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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] | ||
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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] | ||
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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] | ||
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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] | ||
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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] | ||
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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] | ||
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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] | ||
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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] | ||
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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] | ||
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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] | ||
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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] | ||
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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] | ||
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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] | ||
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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] | ||
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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] | ||
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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] | ||
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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] | ||
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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] | ||
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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] | ||
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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] | ||
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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] | ||
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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] | ||
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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] | ||
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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] | ||
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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] | ||
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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] | ||
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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] | ||
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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] | ||
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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] | ||
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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] |
