Hatcher Pass Road now open

HATCHER PASS — Heavy, wet snow caused an avalanche and subsequent road closure in Hatcher Pass at 8:30 a.m. Monday morning. The road is set to open again Wednesday evening after efforts by DOT. Two slides crossed the road at Mile 15.5.

Two avalanche specialists used two loaders, one snow plow and one grater along with two other DOT heavy machinery operators to clear the road starting at 9 a.m. on Wednesday. The process must be done in the daylight, as danger for further slides persists on the snowpack.

“We do try to wait until the snowpack has stabilized. One way is just time. 12-15 inches of heavy wet snow fell on Sunday which is probably what triggered the avalanche. We wait until it stabilizes and can set off charges in other areas. They have to use what they call a daisy bell and a helicopter and set off small avalanche that helped with stabilization,” said Shannon McCarthy of DOT.

Dan Renshaw lives in a cabin on the North side of Independence Mine. Renshaw met some of the Belgian skiers who were trapped at the Hatcher Pass Lodge where they were staying.

“They’re an annual event that comes off South side of Marmot mountain... The rest of them are hanging waiting for a human trigger. I’m on the correct side of the road closure I’d rather be caught in here,” said Renshaw while skiing near Independence Mine on Thursday afternoon.

“They were wonderfully equipped and they climbed one of the peaks to ascend and descended very professionally. They’re very good skiers they seem to be totally enjoying themselves,” said Renshaw.

Renshaw praised the DOT for their wonderful job on the cleanup.

“In the old days they didn’t have equipment like that. When these snow slides came down that was it,” said Renshaw.