[rocknclimb]

The NOAA forecast last night for the summit of Jim Hill said "Sunday
Sunny, with a high near 17. Wind chill values as low as -10. East wind 14 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph".  Somehow I was able to convince a couple buddies to join me for a summit bid despite the dismal forecast.  The 3 of us headed up to Lanham Lake at 8:00 from the nordic center.  The path is well defined right now.  We used snowshoes to the lake, but could have easily managed without.

Took a short break at the lake for a snack and water.  The cold had already had an effect as our water had begun freezing up.  Anyways we then headed in a 116° direction to reach a saddle in the ridge around 5,300'.  The going was slow at first as we were breaking trail in deep snow.  Thankfully we ran into a track 1/4 of the way and was able to follow it to the ridge.

Danny enjoying the day

The ridge walk was difficult, cold, but stunning.  Awesome views out toward Mastiff and the Glacier Peak Wilderness.  Neil broke trail the majority of the time like usual, thanks!

Arrowhead in the distance

This was my 2nd attempt for this summit after bailing at the notch a few years back.  Upon seeing the notch I felt the summit would be attainable as the ridge was fully snow covered, and no signs of a cornice.  The group added layers as there was little protection from the wind and started a sheepish traverse to just below the notch.

Did I mention it was cold

GPW, Rock Mtn, and more

Cascade pano

Fresh snow

The 3 of us were in good spirits nearing the summit when all of a sudden the word "avalanche" ringed in my ears.  Sure enough the snow under my feet was breaking apart like a glass pane shattering.  I attempted an arrest, but too late.  Everything under me was sliding and me with it.  I couldn't tell the size as snow was blowing all around.  The ordeal was done in seconds and thanfully I found myself only 100' down, but not covered or injured.  We quickly gathered ourselves and headed back to the ridge.

Heading to the notch minutes before the slide

Small crown above where our steps had previously been

Small slide

Took a long break thinking of trying the east summit, but we were a bit frazzled.  Had lunch and headed back down to Lanham and the cars.

8 hours and 7.7 miles.  Another great day in the mountains!!!

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When asked "Why do you climb"?  Simply respond "Why don't you"?

[Jeff]

That is a hard mountain to climb. The ridge traverse from the notch is quite long and not at all easy.

Did you notice any signs of windslab such as stiff snow, texture, whumping, or shooting cracks?

[rocknclimb]

[RichP]

Sounds like a scary experience up there. Glad you're OK.

[Anne Elk]

In another thread this past week someone cited this SummitPost article on errors in decision-making processes as relevant to avalanche risk assessment.  I finally got around to reading it today; it bears reposting here: Human factors in avalanche incidents

Glad this was a minor incident & all are OK.  Great pics. 

[Brushwork]

Wow, glad it wasn't a bigger slide!

Beautiful pictures!!

That's a useful report Anne.

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When I grow up I wanna play.

[mtn.climber]

Glad no one got hurt.

We'll go back and get it done this summer.

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Reach for the sky, cuz tomorrow may never come.

Live the life of love.  Love the life you live.

[timberghost]

Wished the pictures came thru for me

[Tom]

Not sure why you can't see them.  Pictures are displaying fine here.

[puzzlr]

It's really helpful that you wrote this report and took pictures. We can all learn from each other's experiences.

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Mid Fork Rocks • flickr