Stormy Departure: American Integrity ("Thousand Footer")

The Gales of November came early. Duluth's first winter storm of the season unleashed powerful winds and dumped 10.6" of wet, heavy snow the night of October 26 and much of October 27, 2017. This strong Alberta Clipper set a new record for the highest single day October snowfall accumulation. The near-record water levels on Lake Superior, coupled with strong winds and 4-5 foot storm surge, created waves that were stronger and more destructive than usual. Lakewalk has been badly damaged, as have many sections of the shoreline.

As the weakening waves crashed on shore Friday afternoon, the "thousand footer", American Integrity, departed through Duluth's canal. This 1,000 foot vessel frequently transports western coal, and occasionally iron ore pellets. It has a capacity of 78,850 tons.

During this afternoon shoot, winds were sustained at 20-25 mph, gusting to 30 mph, wave heights 9-14 feet, and air temperature was 37°F. Overnight during the height of the storm, the winds were sustained at 40-50 mph, gusting to 63 mph, wave heights were 12-17 feet, air temperature 37°F, water temperature 47°. During our morning shoot (https://youtu.be/dY53SVc4vB8), winds were sustained around 30 mph, gusting to 50 mph, wave heights were 12-15 feet, and air temperature was 34°F with wind-driven snow. (Storm data source: National Weather Service.)

As nature enthusiasts and wave watchers, we have witnessed many powerful storms on this lake. Typically winds of this speed and duration would not deposit this amount of debris, or cause destruction to this extent. However, the near-record water levels and 4-5 foot storm surge greatly increased the power and reach of the relentless waves.

Video © Dawn LaPointe and Gary Fiedler, Radiant Spirit Gallery. All rights reserved.
Contact us to license or purchase video footage or photographs.
www.RadiantSpiritGallery.com

Explore our inspirations from nature to deepen your connection and enrich your surroundings at www.RadiantSpiritGallery.com. We are passionate about preserving and sharing nature's artistry through photography, its wonders through video, and our experiences through writings.

~ Photographs | Videos | Articles | Presentations | Guiding ~
~ Commercial | Residential | Contract work/Commissions~
~ Sales & Licensing ~

FB: www.facebook.com/RadiantSpiritGallery
IG: @RadiantSpiritGallery and Dawn.LaPointe

Видео Stormy Departure: American Integrity ("Thousand Footer") канала Radiant Spirit Gallery