Avalanche danger persistent

HATCHER PASS — A recent avalanche at Hatcher Pass caught momentum on the internet after it caught and carried the snowboarder in Hatcher Pass.

The most recent forecast issued on Dec. 9 warns of dangerous conditions and several human triggered avalanches at mid to higher elevations in Hatcher Pass. Strong winds and above freezing temperatures last weekend created unsafe snow conditions around six to 20 inch slabs that are sensitive to human triggers, according to the Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center. Several red flags exist on the slopes of Hatcher Pass including unstable snow, heavy wind, rain on snow, persistent slabs and a handful of recent human-triggered avalanches. On December 10, several human caused avalanches were observed and noted on the Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center website. A snowboarder on Microdot rode into an avalanche that required him to deploy his avalanche airbag. Also last Monday, several human triggered D1 avalanches were observed near Gold Cord.