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Archives for: Mount Hood

March 6, 2018 by PMR

PMR Warns about Treewell Hazards

Check out our interview at  KATU treewell hazards

What’s a Treewell?

A treewell is a ring of fluffy, unconsolidated snow that forms around tree trunks.  The boughs of the tree shelter the area, so not as much snow accumulates there. The bows also block sunlight, so the snow does not consolidate well, even several days after a big dump.

What is the Risk to Skiers and Riders?

Skier gets too close, the snow gives way and they tumble.  Because they are attached to their boards, their feet stay near the surface, but their head and torso sink into the fluffy snow.  Once that happens, it is extremely difficult to get out.  Several years ago, a Canadian group did a study where a bunch of fit college kids jumped into treewells.  90% of them could not get out without help!

And Then You Freeze to Death?

The risk once in a treewell is that you will suffocate.  Snow packs in around you and can freeze to form a death mask of ice.  Or you can inhale so much fluffy snow that you drown.  This can happen in minutes.  If you don’t suffocate, you’ll have a couple of hours before you are overcome by hypothermia.

What can you do to Survive?

Grab hold of the tree to prevent sinking deeper.  Pack out an air space around your face.  Don’t struggle; that causes snow to pack around you more.  Use the tree to raise yourself if you can.  Release your bindings if you can, but you usually can’t reach them.  Otherwise, conserve your energy and wait for your buddies to find you.

What’s the Best Prevention?

First, recognize the risk.  Always ski with a buddy and keep your buddy in clear view.  That means skiing side by side like in dual slalom.  If your buddy is behind you, you can’t see them fall in a tree well.

Carry an avalanche beacon, shovel and probe.  Don’t use pole straps so that your hands will be free to move through the snow.  You also can wear an avalung or other emergency breathing device.

 

Filed Under: HeadlineNews, Resources, Uncategorized Tagged With: Mount Hood, Mt. Hood

March 11, 2016 by PMR

Climber Stranded on Mississippi Head

About 5:00 a.m., 43-year old Asit Rathod set out to climb Mt. Hood and ski down. Asit had climbed Mt. Hood many times and should have known better, but he started up knowing that deteriorating weather was in the forecast.  As the clouds moved in and visibility diminished, Asit continued upward.  He eventually decided to descend somewhere around Crater Rock.  Asit was not carrying a map, compass or any other navigation tools.  On the descent, he veered to the west and wandered down to the cliffs of Mississippi Head.  Stuck in dangerous terrain with no visibility, Asit called 911 around 9:00 a.m.  After speaking with Asit, the Clackamas County Sheriff’s office contacted PMR at approximately 09:20. and asked that PMR standby.  At 10:00  a small team was requested to assist Asit to safety.

PMR fielded a team of three rescuers who departed Timberline at 1:00 p.m. on a snow cat. The snow cat ferried the team to about 7200’ under the Palmer lift but could not proceed higher.  Visibility was extremely poor–not more than 5 feet.  The cellular company was able to pull accurate coordinates from Asit’s cell phone; so the rescuers had a good fix on his location right at the top of the Mississippi Head cliffs.  The team proceeded up to around 7800’ and traversed west above dangerous terrain.  They then descended through an open snow field to the cliff area at about 7400’.  Progress was extremely slow and stressful due to low visibility.

The team made voice contact with Asit sometime after 4:00 p.m. and reached him about 4:30. They gave Asit hot chocolate and a snack and assessed his condition.  Asit was strong enough to travel, so they headed back up so they could traverse east to the Palmer lift area.  Visibility remained near zero and progress was slow.  Asit’s skins were iced and would not adhere to his skis, so the rescuers fitted him with snow shoes.  They eventually reached the Palmer lift sometime after nightfall.  From there, they slowly skied down under the lift using their headlamps.  They rendezvoused with a Timberline snow cat a few hundred feet above Timberline Lodge.  They returned to Timberline Lodge at approximately 7:45 p.m.

This rescue ended well, but could have had a tragic result. PMR urges climbers and back country skiers to respect the difficulties of traveling, and even surviving, in bad weather above tree line in the Cascades.  When clouds or snow showers move in, navigation is impossible without a map, compass and GPS.  We also encourage back country travelers to enjoy their experience with a buddy or two.

KGW provided good coverage of the mission.

Filed Under: HeadlineNews Tagged With: Mississippi Head, Mount Hood, Mt. Hood, Rescue

May 6, 2015 by PMR

Risks Posed by Fumarole Gases

testing fumarole

As the fumaroles at Hot Rocks and Devils Kitchen melt out earlier this year, PMR urges climbers to be wary of holes and weak cavities in the snow above fumarole areas.  The Oregonian, KGW and NBC provided great coverage of this issue.

Filed Under: HeadlineNews Tagged With: Devils Kitchen, fumarole, Hot Rocks, Mount Hood, Mt. Hood, volcanic gas

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