Avalanche Bulletin
for Tuckerman and Huntington Ravines
 
Posted: 4:16 p.m., Thursday, January 9, 2003

Tuckerman Ravine has MODERATE, CONSIDERABLE and HIGH avalanche danger today. The Little Headwall has MODERATE avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are unlikely and human triggered avalanches are possible. Use caution in steeper terrain. Hillman's Highway, The Lower Snowfields, Left Gully and Right Gully have CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are possible and human triggered avalanches are probable. Unstable slabs are probable on steep terrain. Be increasingly cautious in steeper terrain. The Headwall and the Lip have HIGH avalanche danger. Natural and human triggered avalanches are likely. Unstable slabs are likely. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.

Huntington Ravine has CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are possible and human triggered avalanches are probable. Unstable slabs are probable on steep terrain. Be increasingly cautions in steeper terrain.

The summit has received another 3.4" (8.5cm) of snow over the past 24 hours. Yesterday, the summit had a peak wind gust of 88 mph (141 kph) out of the WNW along with steady WNW winds in the 50 and 60 mph (80 and 96 kph) range. These winds moved a tremendous amount of snow around which loaded both ravines. As discussed in yesterday's bulletin, it was not only the new snow that moved. Snow from last Saturday's storm also got moved around and deposited into Tuckerman and Huntington Ravines creating unstable snow conditions in many areas of both Ravines. Due to the new changes in the snowpack, it may take only a small change to cause it to fail. This could be a small amount new snow or wind loading or a person. It would be wise to give the snow some time before heading into avalanche terrain.

Some of the gullies between Lion Head and Right Gully picked up so much new snow from last weekends storm that you need to pay attention to stay on the Lion Head trail when going towards the summit. It is possible in a few locations to wander into avalanche terrain just 10 meters south of the trail cairns. This is something to keep in mind through out the winter.

If you are planning a trip into the mountains this weekend, be prepared for full Arctic conditions. A cold front is moving into the area that is forecasted to bring sub-zero temperatures to the valleys. Be prepared for extreme weather conditions.

AS ALWAYS, THIS ADVISORY IS ONE MORE TOOL TO HELP YOU MAKE YOUR OWN DECISIONS IN AVALANCHE TERRAIN. It should be used along with your own snow stability assessments, knowledge of safe travel techniques, skill in mountain weather's effect on the snowpack, and avalanche rescue.

THE WINTER LION HEAD ROUTE IS OPEN. The route leaves from the Huntington Fire Road and has orange signs starting on the Tuckerman Ravine trail at roughly the 1.8 mile mark. It is a steep and challenging route. Crampons, an ice axe, and the ability to use them with skill are required for safe travel.

The John Sherburne ski trail has improved with this past storm. There are a few problem waterbars and rocks still hidden just under the new snow.

Please Remember:
•   Any new precipitation may increase the avalanche danger, this includes wind transported snow. Obtain latest weather forecast before starting out. For more information, contact the U.S. Forest Service Snow Rangers: AMC at Pinkham Notch Visitor Center or Hermit Lake Shelters. THIS AVALANCHE BULLETIN WILL EXPIRE AT MIDNIGHT.

Brian Johnston, Snow Ranger
USDA Forest Service
White Mountain National Forest
(603) 466-2713 TTY (603) 466-2856
 
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This is the Official Tuckerman Ravine website.  Occasionally the remoteness of Tuckerman Ravine, weather, or communication problems prevent the website from being updated immediately.  Check the date, and if it is not the most recent, you can also:
 
•  Call the National Forest Service's 24 hour avalanche hotline at (603) 466-2713 (ext. 4)
 
•  Check for this bulletin at the Mount Washington Observatory website.
 
•  Check for this bulletin at MOUNTWASHINGTON.COM.
 
•  Check for this bulletin at the Cyberspace Snow and Avalanche Center.

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