- Whiteout (weather)
__NOTOC__Whiteout is a
weather condition in which visibility and contrast are severely reduced bysnow and diffuse lighting from overcastcloud s.There are three different forms of a whiteout:
# Inblizzard conditions, the windblown snow in the air may make it too difficult to see very far.
# Insnowfall conditions, the volume of snow falling may obscure objects reducing visibility.
# In clearair conditions, when there is no snow falling, diffuse lighting from overcast cloud may cause all surface definition to disappear. It becomes impossible to tell how far away the snowy surface is. In polar regions thisoptical illusion can make whole snow-coveredmountain s invisible against the background white cloud, and thehorizon cannot be identified, slopes cannot be judged for steepness, and snow surfaces cannot be seen. This effect is exacerbated by a smooth surface of fresh snow. It is only when a contrasting object is placed on a snowy surface that the surface can be detected. In less extreme cases, it may suffice to break the snow surface by throwing a snowball ahead. This form is also known as flat light. [" [http://www.faa.gov/pilots/safety/media/ga_weather_decision_making.pdf General Aviation Pilot’s Guide to Preflight Weather Planning, Weather Self-Briefings, and Weather Decision Making] ", U.S.Federal Aviation Administration , August 2006]Whiteout conditions pose threats to mountain climbers, skiers, aviation, and mobile ground traffic. Motorists, especially those on large high speed routes are also at risk. There have been many major
multiple-vehicle collision s associated with whiteout conditions.ee also
*
Air New Zealand Flight 901 , an air accident onMount Erebus ,Antarctica caused in part by whiteout conditions.* Climbing incidents on Mount Hood: all recent incidents have been caused by whiteouts.
References
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.