Hatcher Pass
Above 3,500ft Moderate
2,500 to 3,500ft Low
Below 2,500ftLow
Degrees of Avalanche Danger
Avalanche Activity
NEW! Numerous natural wind slab avalanches were reported early morning 3/9. These most likely occurred during the height of the wind late night 3/8. Wind slabs are estimated to be mostly small, D1-D1.5, on leeward aspects. Information is still being gathering on these avalanches.
Weather
This week’s weather at Independence Mine 3550′:
Temps averaged 23ºF, with a low of 13ºF and a high of 29ºF.
IM recorded 1” of new snow and .13″ water (SWE) this week. Ground truth reports 3-4” of new snow at upper elevations.
Overnight at 3550′:
Temps averaged 26°F.
No new snow.
This week’s weather at Marmot Weather Station 4500′:
Temps averaged 18ºF, with a low of 12ºF and a high of 25ºF.
Winds averaged SE 5 mph, max 16 mph . Gusts averaged SE 9 mph, max gust ESE/SE 28 mph.
Overnight at 4500′:
Temps averaged 21ºF overnight, with a Low of 19ºF.
Winds averaged ESE 13 mph overnight. Max gust ESE 43 mph.
NWS Rec Forecast HERE
NWS point forecast HERE
State Parks Snow Report and Motorized Access information HERE
Additional Information
TREND –
A weak low pressure system will continue to bring clouds and a trace of precipitation to HP this weekend with a chance of more snow early next week. If winds continue to blow, as predicted today, avalanche danger will remain the same or rise at upper elevation leeward aspects. Warm weather early next week will likely contribute to a re-activation of the wet-loose avalanche cycle.
Alerts
Read entire HPAC advisory HERE.
Announcements
BOTTOM LINE
The avalanche danger is MODERATE today for Wind Slabs and Dry Loose at upper elevation, on leeward aspects, on west to northeast aspects, on slopes above 35°. New wind slabs 4-8” thick will be possible to trigger at upper elevation on leeward aspects. Dry loose sluffs will be small but possible to trigger in steep terrain.
Low avalanche hazard at mid and low elevation. Human triggered avalanches will be unlikely. Low hazard does not mean NO hazard.
Great snow conditions can be found on the shadier aspects and challenging crust skiing/riding exist on the sunny aspects. New snow has buried and concealed firm sun crusts on southerly aspects. Visibility may be the challenging today.
Announcements
Check out Drew Hardesty’s new UAC podcast with interview of my longtime mentor, Ian McCammon, most known on his work about avalanche risk factors. It’s worth it!
https://utahavalanchecenter.org/blog/44647