June 15, Commonwealth Basin to Lundin Peak

Blue sky, no wind, 45 degrees @ Summit West at 7a, 65 degrees at 3p.  Snow firm/frozen in trees, firm slushy in morning, soft slushy in afternoon.  Wet slabs on 35 degree slopes easily triggered.  Thin surface corn, but accumulates with run-out.

1 party (skier) encountered at start on trailhead.  1 party (snowshoers) encountered in Basin on return.  1 party of rock climbers roping across south ridge line to Lundin Peak

Evidence of slide activity from warming.  Large recent slide under Lundin Peak of type 3 with 200 feet run-out.  Natural web slabbing of 1-2 inch crowns occurring on south/south east aspects with 25-50 feet run-outs.  Obvious separation of snow pack below cliffs and large rocks.

Tree, branch, and rock debris from past large avalanches in area.  Melting snow is uncovering these objects from base of Red Mountain to base of Lundin Peak on south/southeast aspect.

Photos at:  http://www.cascadebackcountryskipatrol.org/iWeb/Photos/Pages/Commonwealth_Basin.html

Full Trip Report at:
http://www.cascadebackcountryskipatrol.org/iWeb/Trip_Reports/Entries/2008/6/15_Commonwealth_Basin.html