Danger?
February 9th, 2008The Internets say it’s the worst avalanche situation in 20 years and
yet Mr. Pencil is going back-country snowboarding on Mt. Hood tomorrow (Saturday) with friends. It’s weird because I had a strange sense this (yesterday) morning
when he mentioned it that something wasn’t quite right–and that was
before I saw the avalanche news. Am I just being wifey to wish he
wouldn’t go? Probably.
February 9th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
I’m not sure just how the conditions are down there, but I sure wouldn’t be in the backcountry up in Washington… even if any of the roads were open to get there. There has been so much snow up here without the usual warm periods or rain to help things consolidate. On top of that the crazy winds a few days ago must have made for some crazy wind loaded slopes.
We were (and still are) considering going to a ski area tomorrow if there is anything open, but even that is a bit sketchy … both the potential for inbounds avalanches and the avalanche danger and potential for extended closures on the roads. There was a 20 foot deep slide that came down on Stevens Pass before they closed it the other day, and there was a slide at Snoqualmie in the Alpental parking lot that hit a few cars as they were in the process of evacuating the area. It came close to destroying a few condos.
It is true what they say that the more knowledge and training you have in avalanche avoidance the more likely you are to get caught in one…
But, as I said … I haven’t been following the weather down there as closely and don’t know Hood very well so it may not be a completely crazy plan.
February 10th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
Everyone came back safe and sound…of course. I’m just a big fat worry head.
February 10th, 2008 at 8:15 pm
Just because they lived doesn’t mean you were wrong to worry.
Glad they are safe.