Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center issues first forecast of winter

HATCHER PASS — The Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center released their first avalanche forecast of the winter season on Oct. 10.

Avalanche forecasts issued by HPAC expire after 24 hours, but observations made by avalanche forecasters were posted on Oct. 14. Forecasters Jed Workman and Allie Barker did note that glide avalanches had been observed on the southwest face of Marmot.

“It’s looking like winter up high in the mountains. While it may seem early, if there is snow in the mountains, avalanches are possible. October is notorious for surprising people with avalanches at Hatcher Pass. Already reports of avalanches have come in from Turnagain Arm and Chugach State Park,” reads the forecast. “Regular avalanche center operations will begin mid-November.”

The forecast also includes a reminder to backcountry enthusiasts to become familiar with avalanche gear including avalanche beacons, airbags, shovels and probes. The Southcentral Alaska Avalanche workshop will be held Friday, Nov. 12 from 12 p.m., until 4:30 p.m., on zoom at akavalancheworkshop.org.