March 19, 2019, Mt. Hood with a question
3/19/19
OR Mt Hood
1987
3
Skied Mt. Hood on Tuesday and enjoyed some expectedly firm conditions. Left Portland at 4 am and topped out around 10am through the pearly gates. The bergschrund was not visible. Descended about 100 feet into the Old Chute to strap in and escape high winds on the ridge. Icy but very manageable down to the base of crater rock. Found some low angle linear of strips of wind loaded surprisingly fun snow below ridges on Zigzag Glacier that made things fun, then enjoyed some just soft enough corn on the resort below 8600 feet. Back to the car a bit before 11 am. Minimal rock fall observed in the crater and no obvious signs of instability based on observation, with freezing point still below 10.000 feet.
I do have a question. I've seen people ski west of crater rock down to zigzag glacier and did so myself. It was actually more fun and better skiing than I've experienced east of crater rock. I'm just curious if there are hazards on that line, specifically hidden hot rock beds? I am aware of the avalanche run out, rock fall, and the obvious fumaroles just below the west face of the hogs back. I can compress and post a picture of the line, or any others, if anyone is interested. Thanks!
I do have a question. I've seen people ski west of crater rock down to zigzag glacier and did so myself. It was actually more fun and better skiing than I've experienced east of crater rock. I'm just curious if there are hazards on that line, specifically hidden hot rock beds? I am aware of the avalanche run out, rock fall, and the obvious fumaroles just below the west face of the hogs back. I can compress and post a picture of the line, or any others, if anyone is interested. Thanks!
Are you talking about West Crater Rim? I'm not entirely clear where your asking about.
Yes! I am clearly not familiar with Hood, but I was definitely talking about skiing West Crater Rim along the bench out to the top of Castle Crags, then dropping off the bench down to Zig Zag Glacier. From what I have read online (now that I know the name), there does not appear to be a lurking fumarole between the southwest corner of the bench and the Zig Zag Glacier.
Thank you!
Thank you!
in winter it is continuous snow. later season it does eventually become untenable/unadvisable. I am sure I have better pics but here are a few from skiing that side. It basically dumps you at Illumination saddle for a good spot for a beer, some more turns, and easy cruising on the zigzag before deciding to traverse over to tline.
this was in may and we were able to go far over onto west crater rim (backside of castle crags route) and still drop down without having to deal with any of this nasty. To clarify we descended to lookers left of this shot:
this was in may and we were able to go far over onto west crater rim (backside of castle crags route) and still drop down without having to deal with any of this nasty. To clarify we descended to lookers left of this shot:
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