We recommend conservative decision making as the snowpack continues to adjust to its new load over the next 24-48 hours.
Preliminary Report from the Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center 3/10/20
Avalanche Accident 3/9 near Mile 16 road run at Hatcher Pass
A 17yo male, snowboarder triggered an avalanche around 12:30pm on Monday 3/9. It is believed that the victim strayed off his intended route and subsequently triggered an avalanche on a small slope which funneled into a terrain trap above a creek drainage. Terrain traps compound the risk of any avalanche, no matter the size. The slope was approximately 100’ tall. The avalanche occurred on a SSW aspect at an elevation of 2000’ and a slope angle of 36 degrees. The avalanche resulted from a storm slab failing on a weak persistent grain faceted layer in the snowpack. The crown of the avalanche is estimated to be 2.5 feet deep.
Prior to the event, Hatcher Pass received a significant amount of snow, approximately 36” in 48 hours. Monday’s report was as follows:
This rapid load contributed to a Considerable avalanche danger Sat through Monday.
Monday’s avalanche report can be found here: https://hpavalanche.org/forecast/hatcherpass/
We recommend conservative decision making as the snowpack continues to adjust to its new load over the next 24-48 hours.
Trigger | Snowboarder | Remote Trigger | Unknown |
Avalanche Type | Soft Slab | Aspect | South Southwest |
Elevation | 2000ft | Slope Angle | 36deg |
Crown Depth | 2ft | Width | 60ft |
Vertical Run | 100ft |
Number Caught/Carried? | 1 | Number Partially Buried? | 0 |
Number Fully Buried? | 1 | Number Injured? | 0 |
Number Fatalities? | 1 |
A 17 yo male was caught and in an avalanche near the 16 mile run at Hatcher Pass on 3/9.
First responders on scene were able to get him out of the field. He died in the hospital.
Forecasters are doing a site visit today and will have more information about the specifics of the avalanche soon.
More information and a complete report will be posted at hpavalanche.org within next 2 weeks.
Recent Avalanches? | Yes |
Collapsing (Whumphing)? | Yes |
Cracking (Shooting cracks)? | Yes |
Significant new snow , 36" over 48 hours on 3/7 and 3/8
Recent avalanches, collapsing , and cracking observed by other folks in the field that day