| Posted: 8:22 a.m., Thursday, January 23, 2003 |
Tuckerman Ravine has MODERATE and LOW avalanche danger today. The Lip, Headwall and Bowl have Moderate avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are unlikely and human triggered avalanches are POSSIBLE. Unstable slabs are possible in steep terrain. Use caution in steeper terrain. All other areas in Tuckerman Ravine have Low avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are very unlikely and human triggered avalanches are unlikely except in isolated pockets. Normal caution is advised.
Huntington Ravine has LOW avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are very unlikely and human triggered avalanches are unlikely except in isolated pockets. Normal caution is advised.
High winds over the past couple of days have created a variety of surface conditions in both Ravines. In many places you will find areas scoured down to old surface and hard wind slab. In strong lee areas you may find areas of wind slab that are unstable. These areas include low down in Huntington Ravine on the approach to routes and in the Lip and Sluice in Tuckerman Ravine. As you move south toward the Chute and Left Gully, you will find harder wind slab. There may also be isolated pockets of unstable snow on the climber's left of Right Gully. If you are heading there today, pick a route on the climber's right side. In general, stay on the old surface when possible and use you avalanche skills to assess the stablity of wind slab.
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 needs new snow. Ski and boarder traffic is slowly exposing earth in places. Be aware that there are still a few problem waterbars and rocks hidden just under the surface.
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