It’s time for Page Two: news that might not make the front page on Wednesday October 15, 2025.
The first layer of winter snow settles on Arkose Ridge in Hatcher Pass. It signals the start of a busy season for avalanche forecasters at the Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center or HPAC.
Marissa Bieger is the executive director of HPAC. Before joining HPAC in 2022, she supervised the NOLS Mountaineering Program and worked in avalanche education and nonprofit management.
Jed Workman and Allie Barker started HPAC in 2008. It became a nonprofit in 2019.
Under Marissa’s leadership, HPAC continues to keep Alaskans informed and safe in Hatcher Pass avalanche terrain.
Hatcher Pass continues to grow as a winter destination. Alaska State Parks recorded over 2,400 day pass users in 2018–2019. Last winter, they counted 9,250.
The area attracts users from both Anchorage and the Mat-Su Valley. Marissa notes that Hatcher Pass is as far from Anchorage as Turnagain Pass. Many Anchorage users choose between the two depending on conditions.
Marissa added more people playing outside in the winter. She also sees more people understanding avalanche risk, using safety gear, and taking courses.
“It’s a real shift in the culture of recreation in avalanche terrain,” Marissa said.
The HPAC team includes Marissa, a handful of part-time instructors, and most recently, three full-time seasonal forecasters.
The forecasters are in the field daily throughout the season. They analyze snowpack layers and other data to produce three detailed forecasts each week.
HPAC shares reports and videos on its website at hpavalanche.org, Instagram, and Facebook. Board member Andy Dennis also creates a weekly video from 16-Mile Run to reach younger users. HPAC also manages webcam weather stations at Marmot and Hatcher peaks.
HPAC offers free avalanche awareness and rescue training in Hatcher Pass. It provides scholarships for advanced avalanche courses and hosts monthly State of the Snowpack events at local businesses.
Marissa said, “No one can predict what this winter will bring.” And she added that each forecast serves as a call to attention, and every safe return shows that people are listening.
HPAC will hold a fundraiser at 6 p.m. on October 27 at the Glenn Massay Theater. The event features After the Snowfall by Matchstick Productions. Advanced tickets are $20 and can be purchased online at hpavalanche.org under the resources tab. Tickets will be $25 at the door.
The School Board meets tonight at 6 p.m. For details go to matsuk12.us
The Matanuska Community Farmers Market is holding an indoor market at the log church on South Denali Street today from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. There will be one more market this season on Wednesday, November 19, just in time for Thanksgiving.
The Mat-Su Sentinel is holding a Flip the Script Election Connection Night is tomorrow at 6 p.m. at the Palmer Depot. It’s free.
Page Two articles are written by Emily Forstner and Lee Henrikson. If you have an idea for a Page 2 topic, please email us at page2@radiofreepalmer.org.
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That’s it for today and the news on Page Two on Wednesday October 15, 2025.