Snow Experts Look Into Cause Of No-Injury Mt Hood

Spooky:
www.opb.org/news/article/snow-experts-lo...no-injury-avalanche/


Snow experts are examining a large avalanche that plowed through Heather and Clark Canyons in the Mount Hood Meadows ski area Thursday night. The areas were closed and nobody was hurt, but experts want to know what triggered the slide.

Huh I wonder why they felt this was newsworthy. Large avalanches like this happen almost each year in Clark Canyon during large storm cycles. The avalanche danger was high that day at all elevations. No enigma here that I can see.

Ever heard of wind trnsport?

A weakness in the snowpack? Too much load?

Happens almost every year.  I have stood in the debris pile in years past and it is so massive you can't wrap your head around it.  Always wondered why White River doesn't do the same thing. 

alpinix.com/Avalanche/ISSW/2010/Papers/ISSW_O-062.pdf

Can you say "Howitzer" ?

" As the sun came up on Friday the 11th, the weather forecast held true and visibility allowed for further Avalanche Hazard Reduction and investigation into the previous days events. Patrol personnel traveled to the fracture line of the avalanche at the 9000 foot level, very close to the top of our permit area. It was determined that the avalanche was triggered during our Artillery mission on the morning of the 10th just after 6:00 am. The slide ran on an old buried and persistent weak layer. Average height of the fracture was 5-6 feet with areas in excess of 12 feet. The hard slab traveled an estimated 3900 feet of vertical and 2.5 miles as the crow flies. Wy’east, the slope directly up hill of Super Bowl did not slide. It is presumed that Wy’east has the same persistent weak layer and similar loading that contributed to the slide at the 9000’ level in Super Bowl. The canyon remained closed for the day."

From:  meadows blog