Hatcher Pass in the Mat-Su Valley will play host to a weekend avalanche rescue exercise, with dozens of search-and-rescue volunteers from across the region converging on a state park in the area. According to a Wednesday statement from the Alaska Mountain Rescue Group, the exercises -- a rare training opportunity for avalanche responders -- will cover “organized SAR response to an avalanche accident in the Hatcher Pass area” Saturday and Sunday. Organizers have a permit from Alaska State Parks for the exercise, which will be held near the Independence Mine State Park. “Search and rescue volunteers need to be very well trained to operate as safely as possible in dangerous avalanche conditions,” incident commander Dean Knapp said in the statement. “This training allows Southcentral SAR teams to train together for safer, more efficient avalanche response.” Saturday will see crews conduct searches using avalanche beacons and probe lines, practicing digging techniques and medical care for victims. Sunday events cover avalanche response, including witness interviews as well as safety assessment and search management. “Visitors to the Independence Mine area on Saturday and Sunday can expect more crowded conditions in the Independence Mine and Fishook parking areas, as 60 to 70 volunteers will be training in the area those days,” officials wrote.
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