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white-out
DCHP-1 (pre-1967)
Entry from the DCHP-1 (pre-1967)
This entry may contain outdated or offensive information, terms, and examples.
1n. — Esp. Arctic
a meteorological phenomenon in which the light from a cloudy sky is balanced by that reflected off the snow on the ground, resulting in a dazzling whiteness and the neutralization of all significant features of the landscape, including shadows and the horizon.
See: gray-out
Quotations
1958
There is no sense of direction during a "white-out," as the compass is not effective in that part of the Arctic.
1965
. . . Gibson flew into a "white-out"--a condition existing in snow or haze when no horizon can be seen. . . .
2n. — North
See quote.
Quotations
1965
Even more dangerous to aviators [than grey-out] is the white-out that occurs when the whole landscape is obscured by mist or drifting snow, and visibility drops to yards, sometimes very suddenly.