Hatcher Pass

3/12/26 Forecaster Observation:

If you came to State of the Snowpack last night we covered a few silver linings of our stale, drought conditions. A period of cold, calm and clear weather has enabled previously wind hammered surfaces to loosen up, and a meager 4” of snow that came in with some light winds was not enough to up the hazard outside of a few isolated pockets of soft slab instability last week that have trended quiet. This tour was another piece of data that above 3,500’ the settled conditions, while variable, can provide some decent backcountry skiing and snowmachining.

Rocks and shallow obstacles remain a hazard (look out for literal holes in Fairangel...there were a few that were more than a body-length deep!), and small dry loose sluffs were the main concern. Additional hazards would be slips and falls while in steep terrain where new snow sits over stout, slick, winded surfaces below. 

There is still snow out there for transport and while light winds continue to be predicted, do not be surprised if ridgetop winds pick up and move snow, building new slabs. Otherwise, enjoy the calm, settled conditions and pay attention as we shift to warmer temperatures and longer days for more typical Alaskan springtime snowpack hazards. 

Head to the website to see all recent observations. Hpavalanche.org/onservations

Heads up!!!