Alaska News

Hatcher Pass Road and recreation area remain closed due to avalanche danger

Hatcher Pass Road remained closed late Friday because of high avalanche danger, according to the Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center.

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources also closed the East Hatcher Pass Management Area, which encompasses the main recreational sites in the area.

Deepening snow and warmer temperatures also hampered the search for Liam Walsh, a skier who has been missing since Sunday afternoon.

"Warm temperatures, significant new snow and wind continue to contribute to increasing avalanche conditions," the avalanche center said in a news release. "An avalanche cycle of this magnitude has not been seen at Hatcher Pass for more than a decade."

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