Hatcher Pass
Above 3,500ft None
2,500 to 3,500ft None
Below 2,500ftNone
Degrees of Avalanche Danger
Avalanche Activity
The only avalanche observed this week was a natural, large wet loose avalanche (possible wet slab). This avalanche occurred on a west aspect on Across Motherlode run at 4000’ and is believed to have occurred Tuesday
A large, natural wet loose (possible wet slab) avalanche observed on Across Motherload run at 4000′ on a west aspect.
Weather
Weather History
Weather at 3450′ since Saturday 4/6:
Temperatures averaged 32°F, with a low of 24°F and a high of 42°F.
There has been ~1.5″ new snow recorded at Independence Mine.
Weather at 4500′ since Saturday 4/6:
Temperatures averaged 27°F, with a low of 22°F and a high of 39°F.
Winds averaged ESE-SSE 6 mph, max 17 mph. Gusts averaged SSE 10 mph, max gust 26 mph.
Forecast Weather
Stay tuned to the NOAA point forecast for an updated weather forecast each day. The best way to see if it’s snowing in Hatcher Pass is to look at the webcam snow stake HERE and the Independence Mine SNOTEL site HERE
State Parks Snow Report and Motorized Access information can be found here.
Alerts
Get the full summary HERE.
Announcements
Previous avalanche advisories HERE
MIDWEEK SNOW AND AVALANCHE CONDITIONS SUMMARY FOR APRIL 11, 2019
Natural and human-triggered avalanches will be unlikely today. While generally safe avalanche conditions exist, watch for unstable snow on isolated or extreme terrain features. However, if the sun pops out and temperatures rise, isolated small wet loose and wet slab avalanches may be possible on steep E to W aspects at mid and upper elevations and all aspects at lower elevations.
Cornices are still large and unpredictable, give them a wide berth.
In surveys of Upper Willow Creek, Independence Mine Bowl, Archangel, Reed Lakes drainage this week, only one natural, large wet loose avalanche (possible wet slab) was observed. This avalanche occurred on a west aspect on Across Motherlode run at 4000’ and is believed to have occurred Tuesday. ~1.5” of new snow fell above 2000’ on Tuesday afternoon, with rain falling below 2000’. Several very small wet loose point releases were observed on southerly aspects Tuesday afternoon.
All aspects at lower elevations and southerly aspects at mid and upper elevations are rapidly melting out with bare ground exposed across Hatcher Pass. Great corn harvesting is possible, with the right timing, on E to SW aspects. 6” deep near surface facets exist on due north aspects at upper elevations. While most due north aspects at upper elevations have been heavily skied near the road, especially in Independence Mine Bowl, if you are willing to travel further out, excellent skiing and riding awaits on north aspects.
This is our last midweek snow and avalanche conditions report this season. If you appreciated this report, please consider donating HERE so that we can continue this report next season.
Got 5 minutes? Take the short survey in the link below to help researchers at University of Alaska Southeast and Alaska Pacific University who are investigating who, how, and where Alaskans travel in the backcountry.