| 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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It will be possible to human trigger a persistent slab 1 to 3 ft thick on all aspects at mid and upper elevation today. It will be possible to human trigger small dry loose sluffs in steep terrain 40° and steeper on all aspects, at all elevations. Natural avalanches are unlikely. Coverage is still thin [Read More] | ||
 Wind Slabs
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Persistent Slabs
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3” of new snow along with strong winds overnight created dense wind-hardened snow capable of producing small avalanches. Winds are forecasted to continue throughout the day. Expect the avalanche danger to increase throughout the day. The snowpack is already very weak and will not adjust to an even bigger load. Small human-triggered wind slabs are [Read More] | ||
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Persistent Slabs
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Wind Slabs
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At the mid to upper elevations, it will be possible to human-trigger a 1-3’ thick persistent slab avalanche failing on weak sugar snow near the ground in specific locations such as previously wind-loaded slopes and features on Southwest to Northeast aspects. Overnight shifting winds and freshly drifted snow at the upper elevations may add complexity [Read More] | ||
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Persistent Slabs
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The snowpack is slowly gaining stability. Small to large human-triggered persistent slab avalanches 1-3′ deep are possible in specific locations on Southwest thru Northeast aspects at upper and mid-elevations. Natural avalanches are unlikely. The avalanche danger is low below 2500′. Triggering an avalanche of any size could have severe consequences due to shallow coverage and [Read More] | ||
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Persistent Slabs
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Tricky conditions with high consequences continue to plague Hatcher Pass. If you enter avalanche terrain space out using safe travel protocols and stay well out of the way of other people. Small to large human-triggered persistent slab avalanches 1-3′ deep are possible at mid and upper elevations on all aspects. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible. [Read More] | ||
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Persistent Slabs
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Put on your game face if you’re headed to Hatcher Pass today. Tricky avalanche conditions exist. Small to large human-triggered persistent slab avalanches are possible at mid and upper elevations on all aspects. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible. Natural avalanches are unlikely. In the last 24hrs 3 of the 6 red flags for avalanches have [Read More] | ||
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Persistent Slabs
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Wind Slabs
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Strong winds and new snow have overloaded a weak snowpack overnight. Natural, human-triggered, and remotely triggered avalanches are likely today in specific areas at the mid and upper elevations. Human-triggered avalanches may be possible at lower elevations. Any avalanche triggered has the potential for failing at the ground and releasing the entire snowpack. While coverage [Read More] | ||
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Persistent Slabs
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Wind Slabs
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Persistent slab avalanches and wind slab avalanches will be possible to human-trigger in specific locations. We will be headed to safer terrain choices including lower angle slopes 25º and less and out of the runout of steeper slopes from above. We currently have shallow coverage with only 6-20″ of total snowpack. It’s early in the [Read More] | ||
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Welcome to a new season at Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center! You may not expect avalanche problems early season, being prepared and carrying all the proper rescue gear is a must. We have seen numerous avalanche incidents throughout the years at Hatcher Pass in October and November where people were not expecting avalanche problems to [Read More] | ||
 Normal Caution
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The avalanche danger remains LOW at all elevations. Natural and human triggered avalanches are unlikely. Cooler temps, calm to light winds, and scattered clouds will keep snow surfaces firm today on south, east, and west aspects. The best riding can be found on due north aspects and low angle terrain. Although you’ll be hard pressed [Read More] | ||
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Normal Caution
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Today the avalanche danger is low. Natural and human triggered avalanches are unlikely. Expect a little bit of everything when it comes to riding conditions. North aspects have cold low density snow and southerly aspects will stout crusts that will soften in the afternoon. Choose your aspect wisely and you could have a great day [Read More] | ||
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Normal Caution
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The snowpack is generally stable and the avalanche danger is LOW. Winter is not over yet! Expect significantly cooler weather over the next several days with lows in the single digits and daytime temps well below freezing. Conditions include the worst to the best that you can imagine from firm crusts to protected powder. Choosing [Read More] | ||
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Normal Caution
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Today the avalanche danger is low. Natural and human triggered avalanches are unlikely. Low density snow exists on northerly aspects and areas protected from wind. On all other aspects, expect to find exposed crusts, sastrugi, wind-affected snow and variable riding conditions. Steep southerly slopes have sun crusts forming on them but are softening in the [Read More] | ||
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Normal Caution
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The avalanche danger is LOW today. Human triggered and natural avalanches are unlikely. Freezing temperatures overnight will keep snow surfaces firm until late in the day. Conditions include firm old wind slabs, sun-crusts, and sastrugi on many slopes. Low density snow can be found above 3000’ in protected north facing locations. [Read More] | ||
 Wet Loose
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It’s gonna be warm out in the mountains today. Temperatures at 1500-2500’ are expected to reach 43ºF by noon today. Pay attention to what aspect you’re on and snow surfaces if you’re out in the mountains today. Small human triggered loose wet avalanches will be possible at low and mid elevations on southeast, south and [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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Persistent Slabs
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Small to large wind slabs and persistent slabs will be possible to human trigger today at upper elevation on West to North aspects. Small loose wet sluffs will be possible on southerlies in the afternoon below 2500′. The danger is low at all other elevations and aspects. Natural avalanches are unlikely today. Evidence from the [Read More] | ||
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Persistent Slabs
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Wind Slabs
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Today’s avalanche problems are Persistent Slab and Wind Slab. Human triggered Persistent Slab avalanches are possible in isolated areas at upper elevations on southwest, west, northwest and north aspects. These avalanches will be small to large in size. Human-triggered Wind Slabs are possible at upper elevations on west, northwest and north aspects. These avalanches will [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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Persistent Slabs
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A short duration of wind on Friday formed small wind slabs that will be possible to human trigger above 3500′ on West to North aspects on slopes 35º and steeper. Isolated large persistent slabs will be possible to human trigger between 3500′-4500′ on West to Northeast aspects on slopes 30º and steeper. Temps barely froze [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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Persistent Slabs
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It’s starting to feel like spring out in the mountains! Conditions are dynamic and there’s a lot to pay attention to if you’re out traveling in avalanche terrain. Today’s avalanche problems are Wind Slab, Persistent slab, and Wet loose. Human triggered Wind Slabs are possible at upper elevations on West, Northwest and North Aspects. These [Read More] | ||
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Normal Caution
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The avalanche danger is LOW today for all aspects at all elevations. Large human triggered and natural avalanches are unlikely today. Normal caution is advised if you are traveling in the backcountry this weekend. Warm temps the past few days have drastically changed conditions. Snow surfaces will be dense and moist below 3000′ making travel [Read More] | ||
 Storm Slabs
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Dry Loose
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In the last 24 hours Hatcher Pass has received 9″ of new snow. Human triggered Storm Slab avalanches are likely at mid and upper elevations, on all aspects on slopes 35 degrees and steeper. Human triggered loose dry avalanches are likely at mid and upper elevations on all aspects, in terrain 40 degrees or steeper. [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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 Deep Persistent Slabs
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A short and sweet storm will bring 5″ to 7″ of snow today and quickly transition to sunny skies Sunday and Monday. Strong winds on Friday built small wind slabs that will be possible to human trigger on west to north aspects at mid and upper elevation on slopes steeper than 35°. Deep persistent slabs [Read More] | ||
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Deep Persistent Slabs
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Persistent Slabs
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Low danger doesn’t mean no danger. The snowpack still has poor structure but will need a significant weather event to awaken our persistent and deep persistent slab problems. Be diligent with your safe travel protocols if you choose to venture out into steep exposed terrain. [Read More] | ||
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Deep Persistent Slabs
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Persistent Slabs
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Early spring conditions have dominated HP for the past few days but we still have lots of winter left! It’s been over a week since avalanche cycles produced numerous large and very large avalanches covering and burying the road in an est. 15 to 25 feet of debris. Although it is becoming harder to trigger [Read More] | ||
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Deep Persistent Slabs
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Human triggered deep persistent slab avalanches are possible at all elevations and all aspects on slopes 30º and steeper. Natural avalanches are unlikely. These avalanches will be large to very large in size. Remotely triggering an avalanche above you or on an adjacent slope is possible. Avalanche danger has lowered from High to Moderate. [Read More] | ||
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Deep Persistent Slabs
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Storm Slabs
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The President’s Day storm has not disappointed us! In the past 24 hours, Hatcher Pass has received 2.8” of SWE and 21” of snow. SE winds up to 31mph have been reported for the past 7 hours at Independence Mine weather Station. Marmot weather station is rimed and is not reporting wind speeds at this [Read More] | ||
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Deep Persistent Slabs
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Persistent Slabs
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This weeks Valentines Storm brought 50″ of snow and 8″ of water to Hatcher Pass! We not only reached 100″ on the Marmot snowstake but buried it. We have seen large and very large avalanches hit the lower road. Large to very large avalanches will be likely to human trigger today on all aspects, at [Read More] | ||
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Persistent Slabs
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Storm Slabs
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The Valentines Week Storm has not let us down. In the past 24 hours we have received another 3″ of water and approximately 16-20″ of snow. This brings our storm totals to 6″SWE and 40″ of snow approximately. Avalanche danger will remain HIGH today. Large to very large human triggered avalanches are very likely on [Read More] | ||
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Persistent Slabs
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Storm Slabs
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The Valentines Day Special has turned into a week long storm bringing over 3″ of water and 20″ of snow to Hatcher Pass, so far, and it is still snowing! We are expecting another 12-18″ of snow and 1.7″ SWE (water) thru mid day Friday. Avalanche danger will remain HIGH today. Large to very large [Read More] | ||
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Persistent Slabs
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Storm Slabs
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Hatcher Pass has received almost an inch of water in the past 24hrs and the brunt of the storm is upon us. 12-18″ of heavy wet snow combined with increasing southwest winds are expected today. New snow and wind will easily overload weak layers that have been lingering all season and easily reactivated with each [Read More] | ||
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Persistent Slabs
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Storm Slabs
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As of 5am this morning Hatcher Pass has received 6″ of new snow and .7″ water. With poor structure, this load will be enough to overload weak layers in the snowpack. 1.5 to 3.5 ft deep Persistent slabs will be likely to human trigger at all elevations, on all aspects, on slopes steeper than 30°. [Read More] | ||
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Persistent Slabs
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A storm system is just ramping up this morning forecasted to bring 4-7″ of new snow by the end of the day, along with cool temperatures and light to moderate South winds. The avalanche hazard will rise to considerable late in the day and into Sunday as snowfall accumulates. Triggering 1-3′ thick slab avalanches will [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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Persistent Slabs
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Strong to Extreme winds with gusts up to 42mph from the south/southeast have affected the forecast area for the last 12 hours. Winds are forecasted to subside this afternoon. Human triggered wind slabs are likely at mid and upper elevations, on Northwest to North to Northeast aspects and cross-loaded features on slopes 35º degrees or [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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Persistent Slabs
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Small wind slabs will be possible to human trigger on steep slopes, at upper elevations, on West to North aspects. Large slab avalanches 1-3′ deep will be possible to human trigger on all aspects and at all elevations on slopes 30° and steeper. In isolated locations it may be possible to remotely trigger a large [Read More] | ||
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Persistent Slabs
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Human triggered persistent slab avalanches are possible at all elevations, on all aspects, on slopes 30º degrees or steeper. Avalanches will be small to large in size. Natural avalanches are unlikely. Remotely triggering an avalanche is possible. Expect cloudy weather and poor visibility in Hatcher Pass today. 3 inches of new snow is expected to [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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Persistent Slabs
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It will be likely to human trigger 4-6″ thick wind slabs on SOUTH to WEST aspects at upper elevation on slopes 35º and steeper. Small natural avalanches will be possible at upper elevation. It will be possible to human trigger 1-3′ deep persistent slabs on all aspects, at all elevations, on slopes 30º and steeper. [Read More] | ||
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Persistent Slabs
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Dry Loose
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Human triggered persistent slab avalanches are possible at mid and upper elevations, on all aspects, in slopes 30º or steeper. Avalanches will be small to large in size, natural avalanches are unlikely. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible. Small loose dry avalanches are possible at mid and upper elevations and on all aspects. Human triggered avalanches [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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Persistent Slabs
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5″ of new snow has accumulated early this morning combined with strong SE winds gusting 30-40 mph for 11 hours. Small to large winds slabs will be likely to human trigger primarily on southwest to west to north aspects in addition to cross-loaded features at mid and upper elevation on slopes above 35º. Naturals avalanches [Read More] | ||
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Persistent Slabs
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Human triggered persistent slab avalanches are possible at mid and upper elevations, on Northerly aspects. On southerly aspects, human triggered persistent slabs are possible in isolated areas. These avalanches will be small to large in size, natural avalanches are unlikely. [Read More] | ||
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Persistent Slabs
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Recent strong winds have drifted snow overloading buried weak layers in the snowpack. It will be possible to human trigger and in some cases remotely trigger large slab avalanches 1 to 3.5 feet deep on NW, N, and NE aspects at the mid to upper elevations. Avalanche behavior will be difficult to predict. Use safe [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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Persistent Slabs
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Small human triggered wind slabs are possible at upper elevations. Wind slabs will be found on West thru East aspects. Natural avalanches are unlikely. Persistent slab avalanches are unlikely but still possible in isolated locations at mid and upper elevations, on SE thru SW aspects. These avalanches will be small to large in size. On [Read More] | ||
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Persistent Slabs
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It will be possible to human trigger a large slab avalanche in isolated locations on SE to SW aspects at mid and upper elevation on slopes 30º and steeper. Human triggered avalanches on other aspects are unlikely but not impossible today. Natural avalanches are unlikely today. Obvious signs of instability may not be present. Shooting [Read More] | ||
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Persistent Slabs
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Triggering a slab avalanche 1-3 feet deep will be possible in specific locations at all elevations on slopes steeper than 30º. More likely locations are South to West aspects where recent winds have drifted snow. Obvious signs of instability may not be present. Shooting cracks and whumphing are red flags. Avalanches may fail above you, [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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Persistent Slabs
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Happy New Year! The avalanche hazard will rise to considerable for wind slabs this afternoon. The horrendous Christmas crust is now buried under 8 to 12″ of new snow in the last 24hrs! Unfortunately, winds are forecasted NE 20-44 mph, gusting 49-66 mph today which will build 12 to 24″ thick dangerous wind slabs this [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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Persistent Slabs
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Small human triggered Wind Slabs are possible in isolated areas. These wind slabs will be found at upper elevations, on Northwest thru East aspects. Natural avalanches are unlikely. A rain crust 2” thick can be found up to 4500’ in Hatcher Pass. Falling on any steep slope could result in sliding hundreds of feet. A [Read More] | ||
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Persistent Slabs
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A backcountry avalanche warning and High Avalanche Danger will go into affect from 12pm today through 12 pm Monday. The avalanche hazard will increase throughout the day and overnight. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended. Avalanches may run long distances. Backcountry travelers should stay off of steep slopes and out from underneath slopes 30º [Read More] | ||
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Persistent Slabs
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Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Small to large PERSISTENT SLABS will be LIKELY to HUMAN TRIGGER at all elevations, on all aspects, on slopes steeper than 30°. Naturals are unlikely. Unfortunately the snowpack has been ravaged by Thursday’s wind leaving few locations with undisturbed powder. On Friday, three separate parties in the backcountry triggered avalanches, [Read More] | ||
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Persistent Slabs
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Wind Slabs
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Human triggered persistent slab avalanches are LIKELY at all elevations, on all aspects, on slopes 30 deg and steeper. Natural avalanches are possible. These avalanches will be small to large in size. Remote triggering an avalanche from a distance is a real concern today. Existing tracks on a slope are not an indicator of stability [Read More] | ||
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Storm Slabs
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Dry Loose
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HEADS UP! Avalanche conditions are elevated! Dangerous avalanche conditions, careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding and conservative decision-making essential. Human triggered avalanches are likely. Natural avalanches may be possible if winds speeds pick up. See archived forecasts for recent information and review recent observations. The last 24 hours brought a significant storm system with a heavy [Read More] | ||
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Storm Slabs
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Dry Loose
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Yesterday’s sneaker storm accumulated approximately 12″ of new snow at 3000′. Combined with 3″ of new snow on 12/17 this totals 15″ this week. Storm Slab and Dry Loose will be likely to human trigger today. Persistent Slabs will be possible to human trigger today. Natural avalanches are unlikely today. Red flags for avalanche danger [Read More] |
