Hatcher Pass
Above 3,500ft None
2,500 to 3,500ft None
Below 2,500ftNone
Degrees of Avalanche Danger
Weather
Weather History
Weather at 3450′ since Saturday 2/9:
Temperatures averaged 22°F, with a low of 2°F and a high of 34°F.
Winds averaged NW 5 mph, max 15 mph. Max gusts recorded were 34 mph NW Tuesday night.
There has been ~2″ of snow (0.16″ SWE) recorded at Independence Mine since Saturday 2/9.
Weather at 4500′ since Saturday 2/9:
Temperatures averaged 18°F, with a low of 2°F and a high of 30°F.
Winds averaged SE 4 mph, max 12 mph. Gusts averaged SE 10 mph, max gust 27 mph*.
*Note*: Moderate to strong north to northwest winds occurred Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning. Marmot weather station typically under reports for this wind direction.
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.
Announcements
This information is a Conditions Update. Danger ratings are only issued with avalanches advisories. The next avalanche advisory is scheduled for Saturday February 16, 2019.
TODAY’S BOTTOM LINE:
Avalanche hazards exist for persistent slab at mid to upper elevations. Human triggered avalanches are possible and natural avalanches are unlikely. Remotely triggered avalanches will be possible in isolated areas. The last natural and human triggered avalanches occurred last week.
Slab avalanches are the main concern, 0.5-3.5 feet deep, and large enough to bury, injure, or kill a person.
At low elevations, natural and human triggered avalanches are unlikely.
Avoid steep slopes with terrain traps such as gullies or cliffs, and choose slopes with gentle, fanning runouts.
Monday night a storm brought 2″ of new snow (0.16″ SWE). Winds increased Tuesday, filling in old tracks and leaving the snow surface wind affected. A drizzle crust is still quite noticeable across Hatcher Pass and seems thicker near Hatch Peak and Skyscraper, versus thinner and barely discernible near Government Peak. Good ski quality has been found in areas with a thinner drizzle crust and at lower and mid elevations.
Click on the “FULL FORECAST” button for all the details, below.