Rain, Mauna Kea, Skiing, and Altitude Sickness

[My 2 cents]

Good explanation Tom. Sounds like the effect is similar to the bends, but from a different direction. So it's really quite simple....acclimate, or "decompress" on your way up, and if you have trouble head back down as soon as possible. And don't mess around with quick fixes.

And I can confirm from my experience that skiing at 9000' Mt.Rose is nothing compared to Mauna Kea.