Hatchers pass is one of the most popular flying areas during the summer in Alaska. It offers numerous launch options for nearly any wind direction and can provide both ridge lift or thermal soaring and sometimes it provides both at the same time. There are drive up launches and launches that require short hikes and long hikes. It has just about everything except trees. There is also untapped cross country potential but given the endless rugged terrain, the direction of travel options are somewhat limited.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hatcher_Pass
Marmot is the somewhat obvious peak situated in the confluence of two valleys and offers several launch options. This is primarily a thermal site though the thermal lift is often assisted by a strong valley flow that’s divided into two separate valley flows on face of Marmot. The high launch is accessed from the large parking lot two miles after the sharp switchback in the road. The hike starts at the parking lot at x,xxxft and ends at a x,xxxft just below the summit. The hike is steep and in places the trail can be slippery. Launches are primarily from the south west facing slope which faces into the valley flow.
• Massive overdevelopment is one of the biggest hazards at Hatchers Pass. It’s very common for towering Cumulonimbus clouds to blast into the sky past 30,000feet. These clouds will suck you up, chew on you for hours, and spit your frozen corpse out somewhere in the remote and inaccessible Talkeetna Mountains. Be aware that this development can occur quickly above you and it’s not always obvious that it’s happening until it’s too late. Blue sky over the Matanuska-Susitna Valley doesn’t mean that you’re safe. In fact it often means that you’re not. Scared? Good.
• There are a lot of converging, diverging, and mixing valley flows. Stay alert.
• Winds can shift quickly. Be prepared.
• Pilots often try to fly along the east and west flanks of Marmot. If you choose to do this be aware of mechanical turbulence along the spines leading up mountain and be aware that the strong valley flows will probably make this a one way trip.
• Landing at the Mint Valley Trailhead often results in backwards landings because of the strong valley flow. It’s doable but not the best option.
Marmot generally works best when the winds aloft are light. South winds up to maybe 10mph are doable when there's not much convection going on.
Check out the link below for current weather conditions at on the Marmot ridge.
Hatchers pass is a USHPA insured flying site but there are no agreements in place that require USHPA or AAW membership.
