Avalanche danger remains low despite temperature change

HATCHER PASS — Avalanche conditions in Hatcher Pass changed with the rise in temperature over the weekend. According to the Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center, Avalanche danger was low at all elevations on Saturday, December 28. Observations on the website for HPAC listed generally safe conditions with natural avalanches unlikely. However, with a change in temperature from -2 to 32 over the last 72 hours, an increase in shooting cracks have been observed at mid to high elevations.

The forecast issued by HPAC on Sunday listed that human-triggered slab avalanches are likely in specific areas. Winds that blew overnight took 9 inches of snow from low elevations to leeward aspects.

The increase in hazard for wind slab avalanches in specific areas on leeward west to north aspects was due to the change in temperature and transportation of the wind slabs overnight. On Sunday, backcountry observers noted a small volume of loose, dry sluff at higher elevations but also noticed an increase in shooting cracks. On Monday, December 30 an observer wrote that 6 t0 8 inches of wet snow laid on smooth facets. The temperature change over the last three days persisted with shooting cracks in the snow at higher elevations.

The Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center will host a free avalanche rescue workshop at the Gold Mint Trail parking lot.