Hatcher's Pass
📍 Alaska , Matanuska-Susitna Borough · Nearest city: Fishhook (4 km)
24 XC score / 100 · takeoff at 1391 m · 📍 View on map
Coordinates and external links
61.76110, -149.31400Forecast next days
Updated: 2026-04-21 02:13 UTC · Source: Open-Meteo · Thermal window 10:00–18:00 local time
Not recommended for flying, cloud base ~287 m, wind 10 km/h, precipitation 3.1 mm.
base ~287m · wind 10 km/h · precip 3.1mmNot recommended for flying, cloud base ~326 m, wind 15 km/h, precipitation 3.6 mm.
base ~326m · wind 15 km/h · precip 3.6mmNot recommended for flying, cloud base ~701 m, wind 20 km/h, precipitation 3.1 mm.
base ~701m · wind 20 km/h · precip 3.1mmComposite flyability score (CAPE + LI + wind + precip + low clouds). Cross-check with local pilots before flying.
🌬 Daily wind (next days)
Daily summary (10m wind). Full hour × altitude chart is being added progressively.
Takeoff orientations
Green = good orientation · Yellow = possible · Gray = not suitable
Why this site has thermal potential
| Factor | Value | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Hotspot density (5 km) | 0 | Low |
| Avg thermal probability | 0.00 | Based on thousands of aggregated IGC flights |
| Solar orientation | 0.72 | Slope faces south in northern hemisphere |
| Own flight history | 0.00 | Thermals detected in platform IGC tracks |
Takeoff description
Many launch opportunities, but the best is from summit lake in the afternoon. There are potential takeoffs from numerous mountains in the area with 30 minutes hike. The takeoff at Summit Lake is accessible by car. It's a lovely place for a picnic and a hike if the flying isn't on.
Rules and notes
P2
Pilot comments
It's the BOMB. When it's working well the thermals are strong and a good pilot could go a long way here. There are a few local pilots who are pretty friendly but don't be dissuaded if there isn't anyone in the air because there aren't many. If it looks good, it probably is. It's very interesting flying with options 360° and views of McKinley and the Chugach mountains.
Nearby sites
Government Peak (0) · Marmot Hatcher Pass AK (20) · Bullion Peak (1) · Lake Lucille (30) · Eagle River Alaska (0) · Bodenburg Butte (23)