Denali Expedition: Hahn & Team Take a Snow Day
Posted by: Dave Hahn, Hannah Smith, Avery Parrinello, Nikki Champion
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali
Elevation: 14,000'
Friday, June 29, 2018 9:53 PM PST
We weren’t feeling it today. Although we’d prepared to carry up onto the West Buttress, the morning weather didn’t look all that inviting. We watched and waited and ate breakfast, but then declared a rest day. The forecasts had predicted a snowstorm coming onto the mountain and we figured they were getting it right this time. Luckily though, it came in slowly enough for Mike Haugen and his team to climb down from 17 camp. We were certainly happy to see them pass through 14 in the latter part of the afternoon. The really heavy snow began to fall just as they were leaving to go a little lower. It seemed to be coming down at about three inches an hour while we were eating dinner in our well fortified dining tent. The good news is that it is coming down without any wind... so far. By bedtime we could hear avalanches beginning to pour down regularly on the steep -and thankfully distant- slopes surrounding our flat basin. We’ll each be taking turns digging out the camp tonight.
Best Regards,
RMI Guide Dave Hahn & Team
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Comments (5)
That is a lot of snowfall. Back in the lower 48, a one inch per hour qualifies as a snow emergency. Stay safe all of you and hopefully by the time you read this, you will on your way again.
Posted by: Roger Coffey on
So proud of all of you and happy things are going well! Wish I was there. It won’t be long now before you’re all standing on the Summit!
Love,
Sue
Posted by: Sue Mamer on
Well seems like you’ll be good and rested to push the last 7,000’ to the top! Get er done team! Darcy from Calgary ~ Tom’s buddy :)
Posted by: Darcy on
WOW! 3” an hour…When it snows back here in Illinois an inch an hour its really coming down. What a Cool experience that would have been ! Take it all in brother! I’m with you in spirit!!!
Farmer Dave
Posted by: Dave Kestel on
Tom base camp Lori and your girls are cheering you from back home! We love you and can’t wait to hear all about your latest climb when you come home. Love you and climb high!
Love
Lori, Carolyn and Bella!
Posted by: Lori on