Avalanche Occurrence

Very large (D3) hard slab avalanche triggered by a small explosive on an ESE near treeline. A 4

Observer:

NWAC Forecaster

Occurrence Date:

Apr 4, 2023 7:00 am ()

Location:

Heather Canyon

Comments:

Very large hard wind slab avalanche triggered near treeline on an ESE aspect by a 5 lb explosive charge. The avalanche ran full path down Heather Canyon and 100 ft up the opposite side of the valley (Pea Gravel Ridge). Although this path runs frequently, Mt Hood Meadows Ski Patrollers have not recalled the Accordion Slide Path running this far.

# of Avys:

1

Aspect:

SE

Start Zone Elev:

6100ft

Size:

D3 / R4

Type:

HS-Hard Slab

Trigger:

AE-Explosive Surface
c-Intentional

Bed Surface:

I-New/Old Interface

Depth:

3.5ft (max: 4.5ft)

Width:

390ft

Start Zone Slope:

45°

Vertical Fall:

500ft

Very large (D3) hard slab avalanche triggered by a small explosive on an ESE near treeline. A 4" layer of lower-density precipitation particles observed at the interface of slab failure about 12" above the 3/31 crust.

Massive, blocky debris from a very large (D3) hard slab avalanche triggered by a small explosive on an ESE near treeline. Crown depth 2-6 ft.

Very large (D3) hard slab avalanche triggered by a small explosive on an ESE near treeline. Crown depth 2-6 ft.

Very large (D3) hard slab avalanche triggered by a small explosive on an ESE near treeline. Crown depth 2-6 ft. Avalanche runout pictured. The debris descended Heather Canyon and re-ascended 100 ft up Pea Gravel Ridge.

View from the top of the convex rollover from which a very large (D3) hard slab avalanche was triggered by a small explosive on an ESE near treeline. Crown depth 2-6 ft.

Very large (D3) hard slab avalanche triggered by a small explosive on an ESE near treeline. Crown depth 2-6 ft. Ski Patroller for scale.

Avalanche Occurrence

General Information

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Avalanche Characteristics

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