Forum Index > Trip Reports > Freezing on Jim Hill Mtn 3/3/2019
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rocknclimb
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rocknclimb
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PostSun Mar 03, 2019 9:31 pm 
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
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
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
Did I mention it was cold
GPW, Rock Mtn, and more
GPW, Rock Mtn, and more
Cascade pano
Cascade pano
Fresh snow
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
Heading to the notch minutes before the slide
Small crown above where our steps had previously been
Small crown above where our steps had previously been
Small slide
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!!!

When asked "Why do you climb"? Simply respond "Why don't you"?
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rocknclimb
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Location: Wenatchee Valley
rocknclimb
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PostSun Mar 03, 2019 10:12 pm 
Jeff wrote:
Did you notice any signs of windslab such as stiff snow, texture, whumping, or shooting cracks?
Was paying close attention, but admit to not doing a compression test. No whumping, shooting cracks, or pinwheels, but the upper slopes did have signs of wind loading.

When asked "Why do you climb"? Simply respond "Why don't you"?
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RichP
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PostSun Mar 03, 2019 10:41 pm 
Sounds like a scary experience up there. Glad you're OK.

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Anne Elk
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Anne Elk
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PostSun Mar 03, 2019 11:46 pm 
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. up.gif

"There are yahoos out there. It’s why we can’t have nice things." - Tom Mahood
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Brushwork
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Joined: 18 Aug 2018
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Brushwork
Food truck
PostMon Mar 04, 2019 12:52 am 
Wow, glad it wasn't a bigger slide! Beautiful pictures!! That's a useful report Anne.

When I grow up I wanna play.
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mtn.climber
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mtn.climber
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PostMon Mar 04, 2019 4:47 pm 
Glad no one got hurt. We'll go back and get it done this summer.

Reach for the sky, cuz tomorrow may never come. Live the life of love. Love the life you live.
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timberghost
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PostWed Mar 13, 2019 5:13 am 
Wished the pictures came thru for me

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Tom
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Tom
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PostWed Mar 13, 2019 9:01 pm 
Not sure why you can't see them. Pictures are displaying fine here.

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puzzlr
Mid Fork Rocks



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puzzlr
Mid Fork Rocks
PostThu Mar 14, 2019 6:51 pm 
It's really helpful that you wrote this report and took pictures. We can all learn from each other's experiences.

Mid Fork Rocksflickr

rocknclimb
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