State closes eastern portion of Hatcher Pass

The Alaska Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation has issued an emergency closure of the East Hatcher Pass Management Unit due to avalanche danger.

According to a statement issued Thursday, two avalanches have crossed the road leading into the eastern portion of Hatcher Pass.  According to the statement, the Alaska Department of Transportation is not able to clear those avalanches, and will likely not be able to for at least two weeks.

Stuart Leidner, superintendent of state parks in the Mat-Su, says the emergency closure order is to emphasize that the area is dangerous right now, both for recreational activities and for any potential search and rescue personnel who might need to respond to Hatcher Pass.

A berm has been intentionally placed at Mile 11 of Fishhook Road to discourage anyone from trying to access the closed area.  Leidner says the closure area does not include Skeetawk, as that is not managed by the state. Access from the Willow side is still available via snowmachine.