Avalanche forecast for Hatcher Pass

HATCHER PASS — The Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center provided a mid-week avalanche forecast on its website from forecaster Jake Kayes. Along with hosting a resource for backcountry enthusiasts to check on snow and weather conditions, the HPAC staff also provide detailed descriptions of the snow conditions on the “16 Mile” road run via their instagram page. According to a forecast posted Dec. 10 by Kayes, natural avalanches are unlikely to occur in Hatcher Pass but human triggered avalanches are possible with a problem of persistent slab and dry, loose snow.

“While persistent slab avalanches will be possible on all aspects, we have observed a recent pattern of human triggered avalanches on SE to SW aspects at mid and upper elevations. To identify this avalanche problem look for stiff hard snow over loose weak sugary snow.

“At low elevations, persistent slabs are unlikely and small dry loose avalanches are possible. Natural avalanches are unlikely at low elevations,” wrote Kayes. “While some new snow has improved coverage, the snowpack is still thin and shallow in many areas. Triggering any avalanche will have higher consequences, due to the potential of carrying a person through thinly buried rocks and other hazards. Recent snowfall has improved riding conditions in isolated areas that are protected from the wind.”

More information on avalanche conditions in Hatcher Pass can be found at hpavalanche.org/