DOT continues clearing Hatcher Pass road over the weekend

HATCHER PASS — The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities cleanup of the Easter weekend avalanches in Hatcher Pass is still ongoing. The second road closure in Hatcher Pass due to avalanche debris entering the roadway began on April 3.

After weeks of monitoring by DOTPF avalanche specialists, charges were dropped from a helicopter on April 16. No additional avalanches occurred as a result of the charges and DOTPF heavy equipment operators strapped chains to their tires and got to work clearing heavy, dense debris from five avalanches that all entered the road.

On April 18, the DOTPF posted that they were over halfway done clearing snow from the roadway after being given the green light by avalanche specialists on Friday to begin clearing snow.

On Saturday April 17, the Hatcher Pass Avalanche center issued their last forecast of the season, listing the danger at mid and upper elevations as ‘low’ as moderate and ‘considerable’ at low elevations.

“The avalanche danger will be moderate in the morning for persistent slab and low rising to considerable in the afternoon for wet slab and wet loose,” wrote HPAC forecaster Allie Barker. “Sub zero temperatures are also a thing of the past. Spring has sprung and so has the emergence of a wet-slab cycle at low elevation. It barely froze at 3500′ last night and it will reach a high of 40-45ºF up to 4500′ the next several days. If you are chomping at the bit to get out and ski or ride once the road is cleared be aware that avalanche danger will continue to remain steady or increase as temperatures rise over the next several days.”

On April 18, Skeetawk ski area completed their first season operating a chair lift in Hatcher Pass. Skeetawk will host a fat bike race on April 24 and 25.