| Posted: 9:34 a.m., Tuesday, January 14, 2003 |
Tuckerman Ravine has MODERATE and CONSIDERABLE 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. All other areas in Tuckerman 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.
Huntington Ravine has MODERATE avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are unlikely and human triggered avalanches are possible on steep open slopes and gullies. Ues caution in steeper terrain.
The summit received 1.8" (4.5 cm) of snow in the last 24 hours. The winds have been averaging 40-50 mph (65-80 kph). These winds have brought a significant amount of snow down into the ravine. Tuckerman has picked up an enormous amount of snow over these last few days. The Lip and similar E and SE aspects have picked up the most snow. The fracture lines that were visible yesterday in Right Right Gully and on the summer Lion Head trail have been filled in with new snow. You can expect the winds to continue to bring snow into the ravines today. Huntington Ravine has also picked up wind transported snow and is currently at the low end of the MODERATE spectrum. There are areas of old surface showing. You should try to stay on the old surface where possible in the ravine. As the wind moves more snow around you may see the avalanche danger moving higher.
Stay tuned later this week and over the weekend for more discussion of the pros and cons of "Micro" forecasting for Direct action avalanche activity here on Mt. Washington.
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. Avalanche skills are always required to travel safely in the mountains. Be prepared to do your own stability assessments.
The John Sherburne ski trail has improved over the week with wind moving snow in here and there over the entire length of the trail. There are a few problem waterbars and rocks still hidden just under the new snow.
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