ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — An avalanche specialist is warning that Alaska’s snowpack is very sensitive this year, so outdoor enthusiasts should be on the lookout for early-season avalanches.
Jed Workman of the Hatcher Pass Avalanche Information Center says Wednesday was the most active avalanche day this season, with more than a dozen observed at Hatcher Pass north of Palmer.
He says most of them were remotely triggered by humans — meaning a slight movement could cause an avalanche that begins hundreds of feet away.
According to Workman, one man remotely triggered four small avalanches Wednesday when he set his pack down to rearrange his gear.
He says people should practice avalanche safety techniques, including riding down the slope one at a time rather than in groups.
