Northwest Avalanche Center

Observation: Public

All Observations

Observation Details

Name:
Ron Martin
Observation Date:
December 12, 2022
Submitted:
December 12, 2022
Zone or Region:
Mt Hood
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
White River Canyon

Observed Avalanches

Did you observe any avalanches? 
Yes
Avalanche Type:
Other
Size:
Elevation:
Various
Aspect:
Comments:
Saw several avalanches (see photos) between about 5,000 and 6,000 ft., probably from Sunday or possibly Saturday while skinning up White River Canyon from the Snow Park lot on 35.

Signs of Unstable Snow

Did you see shooting cracks? 
Yes, Isolated
Did you experience collapsing or whumpfing? 
Yes, Isolated

Observations

Snow on SE-SW aspects warmed rapidly after the sun came out. Hand pits showed instability in the wet, heavy sun-affected layer (2-3 inches deep), about 4-6 inches down, and at the buried surface hoar and facets. A few failed upon isolation while others were not so easy to fail. We also noticed one instance of shooting cracks and one small collapse while skinning. Didn't like the red flags and decided to leave.

Media

Another photo of the avalanche from the previous day's observation
Point releases on westerly aspect.
Likely cornice collapse on easterly aspect starting at about 5,800 ft.
Another likely cornice collapse just slightly higher along the ridge.
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