Marmot Hatcher Pass AK

• Wind directionESE (120°) → SSW (200°)
• Ideal speed5–10 mph
• Upper limits≤ 12 mph base · gusts ≤ 15

Marmot is a thermal site at Hatcher Pass, AK, managed by the Arctic Air Walkers club, with a flat SW-facing launch slope that aligns with the valley flow. Ideal winds are S to SW at 5-10 mph; the working arc spans roughly SE (120) through S to SW (200), with about a 15-degree tolerance on either side of the prevailing flow. Thermal lift is commonly assisted/reinforced by a strong up-valley flow that splits into two separate flows across the face. Pilot rating: P2 minimum, P3 recommended for XC. P2 guidance: keep base wind at or below 12 mph and peak gusts to 15 mph. MAJOR HAZARD: massive over-development is the single biggest danger here. Towering cumulonimbus regularly blast past 30,000 ft and can suck pilots up and deposit them in the remote Talkeetna Mountains. Watch cloud growth closely, launch early in the day, and land before convection over-develops. Best flown in summer; access is via the Fishhook trailhead/parking lot, with multiple launch options around the peak that cover nearly any wind direction. A weather station above the launch ('diving board') provides on-site conditions.