Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center lists moderate avalanche danger

HATCHER PASS — Hatcher Pass Avalanche Forecaster Jed Workman issued an avalanche forecast on Nov. 28, that lists moderate avalanche danger at all elevations in Hatcher Pass. A human triggered avalanche on Skyscraper on Nov. 27 broke loose a large persistent slab avalanche. The crown of the avalanche was reported 20 feet above the skiers position and the slab was 18 inches deep.

“I watched as the entire gully ripped out in large slabs and flushed out our intended ski line. Some sympathetic releases occurred on small ridge feature coming out of the gully as the slabs went downslope,” wrote the anonymous skier who triggered the avalanche.

Workman’s forecast on Nov. 28 expired after 24 hours, but HPAC staff intentionally triggered cornices that triggered small wind slabs along Marmot ridgelines along the southwest face.

“A moderate hazard exists for persistent slabs and wind slabs. Human triggered avalanches will be possible and natural avalanches are unlikely,” wrote Workman. “Shooting cracks and whumping are red flags for today’s avalanche problems. Any avalanche has the added consequence of a shallow snowpack with rock hazards.”

HPAC provides an avalanche forecast each Saturday.