Observation: Public
Observation Details
Name:
Lance DowningObservation Date:
April 24, 2023Submitted:
April 24, 2023Zone or Region:
Mt HoodActivity:
XC Skiing/SnowshoeingLocation:
White River Snow ParkObserved Avalanches
Did you observe any avalanches?
YesAvalanche Type:
Wet SlabSize:
Size 5: Could gouge the landscape. Largest snow avalanche knownElevation:
lower =4,500 upper=6,200 maybe higherAspect:
SComments:
A huge wet slide came out of the west drainage of the White River extending all the way to the powerlines about 3/4 mile above the parking for the white river snow park. Looks very recent, perhaps on the night of 4-23 it released. I could see 2 large start zones at about 6200 feet, but the visibility was a not great.Signs of Unstable Snow
None reported
Observations
We traveled on XC skis up the white river drainage at 11:00 AM on 4-24-23. At about 11:30 we ran into two separate parties (one solo snowshoe and one solo skier) returning to the parking area telling us about the giant avalanche. We ventured up in the trees on the west side of the river bottom to get a look. The start zone crown seems relatively small for such a huge slide. Perhaps there is a larger start zone which was in the clouds.
Media
