Wy’east Wind Slab Avalanche
I triggered this class 1 wind slab avalanche skiing Sunday at 8,000 ft. near Mississippi Head on Mt. Hood. It took me by surprise. I made two turns in the quarter pipe pocket in search of soft wind deposited snow. The slab released at the start of turn 2 and I made a quick traverse to firm snow.
The crown was 3 meters wide and less than a meter deep. The wind slab was likely the result of side loading. Click here for some excellent information on wind slab and other important avalanche information.
The second slab I have seen triggered on Mt. Hood this winter ski season. The first was early in the year and about 300-400 feet long and far larger. Fortunately, for this one I was not at the bottom. This one was only 60-70 feet long.
TeleCragger
18 Apr 07 at 9:37 am