Hatcher Pass
Above 3,500ft Moderate
2,500 to 3,500ft Moderate
Below 2,500ftLow
Degrees of Avalanche Danger
Avalanche Activity
Remotely triggered, natural, and human triggered avalanches were reported on 12/30. These avalanches occurred as a result of high winds. See more information HERE.
No other avalanches have been reported.
Weather
This week’s weather at 3550′:
Temps averaged 20ºF, with a low of 8ºF and a high of 34ºF.
IM reported 10″ of new snow.
Overnight at 3550′:
Temps averaged 13°F.
No new snow.
This week’s weather at 4500′:
Temps averaged 16ºF, with a low of 5ºF and a high of 26ºF.
Winds averaged SE 11 mph, max 43 mph . Gusts averaged SE 19 mph, max gust SE 56 mph.
Overnight at 4500′:
Temps averaged 12ºF overnight, with a Low of 9ºF.
Winds averaged SE 3 mph overnight. Max gust E 7 mph.
NWS Rec Forecast HERE
State Parks Snow Report and Motorized Access information HERE
Additional Information
View past advisories in the archives HERE.
TREND
HP’s weak snowpack will persist for a very long time. Pay attention to weather changes as our snowpack will not like rapid change. Each time our snowpack is rapidly loaded with new snow, or wind transported snow, expect the avalanche hazard to rise. Each time the weather becomes mild and boring, expect the snowpack’s stability to slowly increase.
This weekend the forecast is calling for light winds and cool temps. This kind of weather will not increase the avalanche hazard. However, pay close attention to the winds. For Sunday and into Monday, models are suggesting a slight increase in the pressure differential between mainland Alaska and the Southcentral coastline. This is not predicted to increase winds speeds over the next couple days. However, if the pressure differential were to build beyond the forecast, strong, outflow winds could increase in the avalanche hazard.
Alerts
BOTTOM LINE
Today a MODERATE avalanche hazard for persistent slab and loose dry avalanches exists. Human triggered avalanches are possible and natural avalanches are unlikely.
Slab avalanches are the main concern, up to 2-4 feet deep, and large enough to bury, injure, or kill a person.
We can not emphasize this enough, AVOID STEEP SLOPES WITH TERRAIN TRAPS; choose slopes with gentle, fanning runouts.
DONATE HERE, ’cause it takes a community to raise an avalanche center!
Announcements
Mark your calendars for the annual Hatcher Pass Avalanche Workshop coming up on Saturday January 19th.
Save the date: HPAC Annual Fundraiser and Cabin Fever Reliever, Saturday,February 2, 2019 at the Moose Lodge in Palmer. Tickets available soon, stay tuned! Tell your friends!