Northwest Avalanche Center

Observation: Public

All Observations

Observation Details

Name:
Daniel MacDonald
Observation Date:
May 25, 2023
Submitted:
May 26, 2023
Zone or Region:
Mt Hood
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Eliot Environs

Observed Avalanches

Did you observe any avalanches? 
Yes
Avalanche Type:
Other
Size:
Size 2: Could bury, injure, or kill a person
Elevation:
8K’ish
Aspect:
NE
Comments:
Three old noted all at or above elevation of primary Eliot Icefall (one related, others not) as high as lower Cooper Spur climbing route. One pic inckuded captures all 3.

Signs of Unstable Snow

None reported

Observations

Late morning-mid afternoon ski tour from Aframe through 8700’ Eliot Headwall Entrance from Snowdome. Also attempted Languille Bowl Central, but quickly aborted due to surprisingly early meltout indicators (as compared to last season at least). Also including pics that may prove helpful to Sunshine climbers.

Leveraged last July’s beta photos to guide my ski line on Eliot. Even so, in picture hindsight, made some route-finding mistakes. That said, mode of travel being skis and earlier in the season both undoubtedly helped. Did possibly notice a crack form in front of me while taking pictures mid-descent. Not sure though. Uploading annotated lessons-learned for benefit of others. Especially as a late-in-the-day skier, crevasses scare the bejeezus out of me.

Media

Public Field Report: Eliot Environs
Public Field Report: Eliot Environs
Public Field Report: Eliot Environs
Public Field Report: Eliot Environs
Public Field Report: Eliot Environs
Public Field Report: Eliot Environs
Public Field Report: Eliot Environs
Public Field Report: Eliot Environs
Public Field Report: Eliot Environs
Public Field Report: Eliot Environs
Public Field Report: Eliot Environs
Public Field Report: Eliot Environs
Public Field Report: Eliot Environs
Public Field Report: Eliot Environs
Public Field Report: Eliot Environs
Public Field Report: Eliot Environs
Public Field Report: Eliot Environs
Public Field Report: Eliot Environs
Public Field Report: Eliot Environs
Public Field Report: Eliot Environs
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