Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center reports low avalanche danger

HATCHER PASS — The Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center reported low avalanche danger for mid to low elevations in Hatcher Pass on Saturday. HPAC Forecaster Allie Barker issued a forecast that highlighted weak faceted layers of snow on Idaho Peak at 2,800 feet during a pit analysis on Saturday. Barker’s forecast only stayed in effect for 24 hours, but no human triggered avalanches have been reported for two weeks in Hatcher Pass.

“Although the last human triggered avalanche occurred almost 11-14 days ago, the snowpack continues to resemble a sandbox (of facets) with a slab of varying thickness on top. Be cautious of varying slab thickness. It will be easier to trigger an avalanche from a location where the slab is thinner. Hard slabs tend to allow you to get out on slope before breaking above you, increasing the hazard and diminishing the likelihood of getting off the slab,” wrote Barker. “In isolated areas, remotely triggering a hard slab avalanche is still possible. In this case you will be able to trigger an avalanche in the flats below steeper slopes or in adjacent terrain. You could unknowingly remotely trigger an avalanche which puts other parties at risk, or trigger an avalanche above you.”

Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center employs two full time forecasters and one part-time forecaster who provide bi-weekly forecasts of avalanche danger in Hatcher Pass, as well as snow reports on their Instagram page for the popular road run “16 Mile.” Barker wrote in her forecast that she hoped for a large quantity of Winter solstice snow.

“A few test results are not indicative of the entire snowpack stability picture. Use multiple pole tests, hand shears, and instability tests for a more accurate assessment of the problem. Whumphing and shooting cracks are red flags,” wrote Barker.