Organization hosting avalanche training

HATCHER PASS — As the snow falls and the temperatures drop, Alaskans head to the hills in search of adventure. The Alaska Avalanche Information Center wants to make sure that all of those traveling in avalanche country are properly equipped and educated.

Nov. 1 marked the launch of the new-look alaskasnow.org website, which was made possible after the center was awarded a $20,000 grant from the Rasmuson Foundation.

Avalanche trainings will be conducted throughout the snow-covered state over the duration of the winter. A Level 1 course will be held at Hatcher Pass Dec. 14-15, Jan. 19-21, and again on March 8-10. Level 2 courses will be taught Feb. 15-18 at Hatcher Pass. Rescue and Motorized Rescue courses will be taught Dec. 22 at Hatcher Pass.

The AAIC is also launching a new app to help skiers, snowboarders and snowmachiners stay snow safe. The app, called Snow Mobile, was also part of the Rasmuson Foundation Grant. Forecast regions are available on Alaskasnow.org for Cordova, Chugach National Forest, Eastern Alaska Range, Juneau, Haines, Hatcher Pass and Valdez.

Free avalanche skills workshops will be held at Teeland Middle School at 6 p.m. on Dec. 5, and at Glacier View School on Dec. 5.

The AAIC partnered with the Department of Public Safety and other to host Snowfest last weekend at the Loussac Library in Anchorage.

Posts on Alaskasnow.org detailing the snow conditions in Hatcher Pass date back to Sept. 24 when snow fell in the mountains, and small avalanches were observed on Nov. 11.

“Wet loose natural avalanches may be possible due to rain falling on snow tonight through Tuesday. Depending on the amount of rain that falls, slab avalanches may also be possible at mid to upper elevations on previously wind loaded features. We still do not have a widespread, good base, rocks may be concealed by shallow blankets of snow, and will continue to be a hazard until our snow base increases substantially,” reads the most recent report on Hatcher Pass.

Wet, loose snow and above-freezing temperatures contributed to small slides in the upper bowl on Sunday.