Historic Hood River
Avalanche
3-16-2023
Notes
We’ll have to forgive the technical quality of this photograph given the photographer’s circumstances. The details are a little sketchy, but this is the aftermath of an avalanche which blocked rail travel in the Columbia River Gorge near Shellrock Mountain. These avalanches were regular occurrences so I can’t date this without some other reference. There is what appears to be a milepost sign labelled “54” on the hillside.
Always remember to bring warm clothing, food and water when traveling through the Gorge in the wintertime!
Arlen L Sheldrake
yes, growing up in HR, Roger and I always heard the rule, never without at least a half full car tank in the winter. not a bad rule even today after the cluster that happened earlier this winter in Portland. yes, an amazing photo.
L.E.
Good advice Arthur. But I find even myself, as one who grew up in The Gorge, and spouts that bit of advice, becoming lackadaisical after a couple of mild winters.
I just read a story by an early settler in the Carson area, who during one bad winter, ran out of food so hiked out, crossed the frozen Columbia to Cascade Locks, but there was a food shortage there so he trekked his way toward Hood River. He describes the situation at Shellrock Mtn.
It appears that they are turning and hiking uphill??
nels
What would your feelings be as you hike through this? Not to mention the physical feelings with the clothing of this period.
Grim.
Will
Pre-Columbia River Hwy. I assume. I wonder why those ahead are hiking upward.
ArthurB
If this is Shellrock as I think it is, they might be hiking up from the railroad to the old military road– maybe it’s above the avalanche runout?