Northwest Avalanche Center

Observation: Public

All Observations

Observation Details

Name:
Tre Trofi
Observation Date:
January 4, 2023
Submitted:
January 4, 2023
Zone or Region:
Mt Hood
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Upper Little Zig Zag Canyon

Triggered Avalanches

Did you trigger any avalanches? 
Yes
Was it intentional? 
No
Avalanche Type:
Hard Slab
Size:
Size 2: Could bury, injure, or kill a person
Elevation:
6800ft
Aspect:
W
Comments:
Avalanche triggered as we entered the canyon from the E side. Active wind loading was observed on this aspect as we were traveling. Slide was triggered from below and propagated across the canyon and out of sight. Slab was 12-14" thick. Visibility was very low so it was hard to pin point exact size and how far it ran. Neither me or my partner was caught.

Signs of Unstable Snow

Did you see shooting cracks? 
Yes, Isolated
Did you experience collapsing or whumpfing? 
No

Observations

Heavy wind loading was observed on W aspects above tree line. Below tree line instability shifted to E aspects in Little Zig Zag Canyon. Things seem to be very dynamic out there during this current storm. I would be cautious of any wind loaded slope as we move towards warmer Temps tomorrow.

WordPress Lightbox