Hatcher Pass Road closed at mile 11

Hatcher Pass Road is now closed at mile 11 until further notice, according to the Alaska Department of Transportation.

This follows an avalanche warning in the Hatcher Pass area that’s in effect from Tuesday at 7 a.m. to Wednesday at 7 a.m. In an update posted Tuesday morning, Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center officials wrote that Hatcher Pass had received 21 inches of snow in the past 24 hours. Another two to five inches of snow is expected Tuesday. There were also winds up to 31 miles per hour reported at the Independence Mine weather station.

“The avalanche danger is high today. Large to very large human triggered avalanches are likely on all aspects at all elevations on slopes above 30 degrees. Natural avalanches are likely. Remotely triggering a large to very large avalanche above you is possible,” HPAC officials wrote.

HPAC officials also is recommending that people avoid the Government Peak Recreation Area due to avalanche danger.

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