| Date | Rating | Problem #1 | Problem #2 | The Bottom Line |
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| HPAC has migrated to a new platform for avalanche forecasts and observations. Click this link to view all archives for the 24/25 season. | ||||
 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] | ||
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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] | ||
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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] | ||
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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] | ||
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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] | ||
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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] | ||
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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] | ||
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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] | ||
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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] | ||
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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] | ||
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Persistent Slabs
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The avalanche hazard is MODERATE for PERSISTENT SLABS at mid and upper elevations on WEST through EAST facing aspects on slopes 35° or steeper. A LOW hazard exists on all other slopes and aspects for the same problem. Last week’s storm included a few inches of graupel. Because of its size and water content, this [Read More] | ||
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Storm Slabs
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Wind Slabs
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The tides have turned! New snow and strong wind over the past 48 hours have shifted conditions from stale and stable to dynamic and elevated, increasing the avalanche danger. The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE for STORM SLABS at mid and upper elevation, on all aspects, on slopes 35º and steeper where up to 8″ of [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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The avalanche danger is MODERATE at mid and upper elevations for WIND SLAB on SOUTHWEST to NORTHWEST aspects on slopes 35º and steeper. The danger is LOW at low elevation. Conditions are variable, with a variety of crusts to be found on most aspects. There are soft turns to be found on sheltered and low [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE at upper elevation and MODERATE at mid elevation for WIND SLAB, on SOUTHWEST to NORTHWEST aspects on slopes 35º and steeper. The danger is LOW at low elevation. Conditions are poor for March and range from firm sun crusts to firm wind slabs on most aspects. Low density snow will [Read More] | ||
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Normal Caution
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The avalanche danger is LOW today at all elevations and on all aspects. Natural and human triggered avalanches will be unlikely. A remote possibility exists for triggering a persistent slab in isolated areas or extreme terrain. Variable snow surfaces will be found in most locations. Consider yourself lucky if you find a low density powder stash; we [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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Persistent Slabs
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The avalanche danger is MODERATE for WIND SLABS up to 6″ thick, on SOUTH to WEST aspects, at upper elevation, on slopes 35º and steeper. The avalanche danger is LOW for PERSISTENT SLABS on all aspects, at all elevations. Natural avalanches are unlikely. This week’s rapid warm up, followed by a return to cooler temperatures combined [Read More] | ||
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Persistent Slabs
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Wind Slabs
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The sudden spring like temperatures are finally over. A major shift in weather will occur today with cooler weather and strong north winds affecting the forecast area today thru Saturday. Today the avalanche danger is MODERATE at all elevations on southeast thru southwest aspects on slopes 35 degrees and steeper. Human triggered Persistent slab avalanches [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 SLABS at all elevations and on slopes 35º and steeper. It will be possible to trigger an avalanche on steep southerly aspects ( southeast to southwest) up to 12 inches thick AND less likely but still possible on northerly aspects (northwest to northeast) at upper elevation up to [Read More] | ||
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Persistent Slabs
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The avalanche danger is MODERATE at all elevations. Human-triggered persistent slab avalanches 4 to 12 inches thick are possible at all elevations and on all aspects, on slopes 35 degrees and steeper. These avalanches will be small to large in size. In isolated and extreme terrain at upper elevations on leeward aspects, triggering a persistent [Read More] | ||
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Persistent Slabs
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The avalanche danger is MODERATE for PERSISTENT SLABS 4 to 12″ thick on all aspects, at all elevations, on slopes 35º and steeper. This weeks storm brought a new thick coat of paint to Hatcher Pass but heads up, looks can be deceiving! Expect stiff snow and slab like conditions. Last week’s low density powder [Read More] | ||
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Storm Slabs
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Wind Slabs
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The avalanche danger is MODERATE and will rise to HIGH by the afternoon. A significant weather event will affect the forecast area today. 12 to 18 inches of snow is expected with winds from the South with gusts up to 30mph. In the afternoon 1-2 inches of snow an hour is expected. Human-triggered Storm Slab avalanches 12 [Read More] | ||
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Dry Loose
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The avalanche danger is MODERATE at all elevations. Small to large loose dry avalanches will be likely to human trigger on steep slopes with 16″+ of low density snow that has fallen since Feb 11th. Natural avalanches are unlikely. Overcast skies will linger and bring an additional 3 to 4″ of new snow expected by [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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Dry Loose
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The avalanche danger is MODERATE at all elevations. At upper and mid elevations, human-triggered wind slabs 4 to 16 inches thick are possible on southwest through north aspects and cross-loaded features on slopes 35 degrees or steeper. At all elevations and aspects, small to large human-triggered dry loose avalanches are possible on slopes 40 degrees [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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Dry Loose
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The avalanche danger is MODERATE for soft WIND SLABS up to 6″ thick at upper elevation, on southwest to north aspects, on slopes 35º and steeper. The avalanche danger is MODERATE for LOOSE DRY avalanches at mid and upper elevation, on all aspects, in terrain 40º and steeper. Natural avalanches are unlikely. Small incremental storms [Read More] | ||
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Dry Loose
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The avalanche danger is MODERATE at all elevations and on all aspects. Small to large human-triggered dry loose avalanches 8-10″ inches deep, are possible on slopes 40 degrees and steeper. Even a small avalanche can have severe consequences if you are carried through a terrain trap. [Read More] | ||
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Dry Loose
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The avalanche danger is LOW at all elevations. Small inconsequential loose dry avalanches will be possible to human trigger up to 6″ deep on all aspects and all elevations on slopes 40 degrees and steeper. Today’s avalanche problem includes 4″ of fluffy new snow overnight combined with a couple of inches on 2/2. Remember that low [Read More] | ||
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Normal Caution
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The avalanche danger is LOW at all elevations and on all aspects. Small avalanches are possible in isolated areas or extreme terrain. Remember that low danger doesn’t mean no danger. We recommend using safe travel techniques and carrying appropriate rescue equipment. Overnight two inches of new snow has fallen in the forecast area. With another [Read More] | ||
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Persistent Slabs
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The avalanche danger is MODERATE above 2500′ today and LOW below that. After a month of stale conditions, we finally received snow, wind, and a new avalanche concern. Two significant human-triggered avalanches yesterday make it clear that human-triggered avalanches are possible. Today will be no different. An additional hazard today is the human factor. We [Read More] | ||
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Storm Slabs
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It’s been a week of change at Hatcher Pass with two warm weather systems affecting the forecast area. Above 2500 feet the avalanche danger is Moderate. Below 2500 feet the avalanche danger is Low. At mid and upper elevations small to large human triggered storm slabs are possible and natural avalanches are unlikely. The NWS [Read More] | ||
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Storm Slabs
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Wind Slabs
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Heads up conditions have changed! 7 inches of dense snow has fallen in Hatcher Pass in the last 24 hours. The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE above 3500 feet on all aspects. Below 3500 feet the avalanche danger is MODERATE on all aspects. Human triggered storm slabs 6-8” thick are likely on all aspects at upper [Read More] | ||
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Normal Caution
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We received 3″ of new snow early in the morning of 1/20 and about 1+” overnight at 3000′. This has slightly improved riding conditions in this long-term precipitation drought. Not much has changed. The avalanche hazard remains LOW for the 7th forecast in a row. We need your help making it snow: Here’s how [Read More] | ||
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Normal Caution
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The avalanche danger is LOW on all aspects and elevations. With no new snow or significant weather events occurring since the last forecast, the snowpack remains relatively unchanged. 2 inches of low-density snow that fell last week continues to hide the firm snow beneath. Even in low danger, it’s important to use safe travel protocol. [Read More] | ||
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Normal Caution
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Stale and generally safe avalanche conditions will continue to persist through the weekend. The avalanche danger is LOW at all elevations and on all aspects. We always recommend maintaining good travel protocol even in low danger conditions. Conditions have improved with 2″ of new snow combined with faceted snow surfaces. The best riding will be [Read More] | ||
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Normal Caution
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Generally safe avalanche conditions. Surface conditions have improved slightly with 2″ of new snow this week. While the avalanche hazard remains low and triggering an avalanche is unlikely, it is not impossible. Continue to practice safe travel protocol when traveling in avalanche terrain. [Read More] | ||
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Normal Caution
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Stagnant and generally safe avalanche conditions will persist through the weekend. Triggering an avalanche is very unlikely. Firm conditions are widespread at all elevations, on all aspects. Sliding for life is a concern on steep slopes. [Read More] | ||
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Normal Caution
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The avalanche danger is LOW at all elevations and aspects. Human-triggered and natural avalanches are unlikely. Small avalanches are still possible in isolated areas or extreme terrain. Stiff hard slabs, breakable crusts, and sastrugi have created challenging riding conditions. Athletic injury from a fall is still a real hazard. [Read More] | ||
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Persistent Slabs
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The avalanche danger is LOW today at all elevations and on all aspects. Natural and human triggered avalanches will be unlikely. A remote possibility exists for triggering a large persistent slab in isolated areas or extreme terrain. Although the avalanche danger is low, the likelihood of injuring yourself while navigating sastrugi, wind slabs, firm surfaces, [Read More] | ||
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Persistent Slabs
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The avalanche danger is MODERATE above 2500 feet. Large human-triggered Persistent Slab avalanches 2 to 4 feet deep are possible, on Southeast to West aspects, on slopes 30º and steeper. Natural avalanches are unlikely. At low elevations the danger is low. Below 2500 feet previous winds were less intense. Two strong wind events with extreme [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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Persistent Slabs
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WIND SLABS up to 2 feet thick will be LIKELY to human trigger on SOUTHEAST to WEST aspects at all elevations, on slopes steeper than 35º. Head’s Up! It will be possible to trigger a wind slab on steep slopes at low elevation like the road run. Natural avalanches are possible. PERSISTENT SLABS 2 to [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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Persistent Slabs
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Strong to extreme winds have built and will continue to build LARGE WIND SLABS above 3000′ throughout the day. Wind slabs 12 to 18 inches thick, and growing in size throughout the day, will be likely to human trigger on southwest to west aspects and cross loaded features at upper elevation on slopes steeper than [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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Persistent Slabs
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Strong winds from the East have transported snow and created wind slabs 3 to 5 inches thick. Human-triggered wind slabs are possible at upper elevations on westerly aspects and leeward features. These avalanches will occur on slopes 35º or steeper. Human-triggered persistent slab avalanches are possible in isolated areas at mid and upper elevations on [Read More] | ||
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Persistent Slabs
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Dry Loose
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Large persistent slabs 3 to 4 feet thick will be possible to human trigger and remotely trigger on all aspects, at all elevations on slopes steeper than 30º. Dry loose sluffs will be easy to human trigger on any slope steeper than 40º. Natural avalanches are unlikely. Avalanche behavior will be difficult to predict. Use [Read More] | ||
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Persistent Slabs
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Dry Loose
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The avalanche danger is considerable at all elevations. Overnight the forecast area has received 10-12 inches of new snow and .9″ of SWE. Human-triggered persistent slab avalanches 3-5 feet thick will be likely at all elevations and all aspects on slopes 30º and steeper. These avalanches will be large in size. Human-triggered loose dry avalanches [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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Persistent Slabs
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The avalanche danger is HIGH today above 2500′. The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE below 2500′. Large natural avalanches are likely. Large human triggered avalanches are very likely. Avalanche problems for today are: Wind slab, Persistent slab, Storm Slab and Dry Loose. Over the past 24 hrs Hatcher Pass has received approximately 9″ of new snow [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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Persistent Slabs
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Today another storm will bring up to 6-8” of new snow and .75” of SWE, the avalanche danger is considerable. Southerly winds with gusts up to 30mph are forecasted to begin in the afternoon. Pay attention for signs of active wind loading. Expect the avalanche danger to rise late this afternoon into Wednesday. Wind slabs [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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Persistent Slabs
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Avalanche Danger is HIGH today above 3500′. A massive storm has rapidly dumped approximately 2 ft of snow with 1.5″ SWE with increasing temperatures and wind over the past 24hrs. Natural avalanches are likely today. Human triggered avalanches are very likely above 3500′. The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE at mid and low elevation. Wind slabs [Read More] | ||
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Dry Loose
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Wind Slabs
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Small dry loose will be possible to human-trigger at all elevations, on all aspects on slopes 40º and steeper. Small wind slabs 2″ to 8″ thick will be possible to human-trigger above 2500′ in specific locations on Southeast to West aspects. The 12/5-7 storm snow is sitting on a buried rain crust in the middle [Read More] | ||
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Persistent Slabs
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Dry Loose
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The most recent storm brought 2″ of water and between 18-20” of new snow to the forecast area. This new snow has caused stress on a crust in the middle of the snow pack and on the weak snow near the ground. Human-triggered persistent slab avalanches 2-4’ deep are possible at all elevations and all [Read More] |
