| Posted: 8:00 a.m., Saturday, January 25, 2003 |
Tuckerman Ravine has MODERATE and LOW avalanche danger today. The Lip and the 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.
The summit received no new snow, but had high NW winds overnight with a maximum of 96 mph generating low drifting snow. Expect the possibility of some loading on E and SE aspects due to these high NW winds. Snow showers are forecasted for later today into tomorrow so anticipate new loading with increased avalanche danger depending on what we receive. Tomorrow's rating may increase, but we'll wait for overnight precipatation amounts so check the advisory before heading out for the latter half of the weekend. Currently you will find most areas scoured down to old surface and hard wind slab. In a few strong lee areas you may find pockets of slab that are unstable such as under the Lip and the northern side of Tuckerman. As you move south toward the Chute and Left Gully, you will find a harder wind slab and old surface. In general, stay on this old surface and very hard wind pack when possible and use your avalanche skills to assess snow stablity.
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 is quite messy right now due to midweek high winds of 145 mph. We have been working on getting larger branches and debris off the trail, but it would take 3 dozen people a week to manicure it so expect lots of sticks cones and needles. Skins would be a better option than a wax choice due to the 2 inches of crude you'd probably get on your bases. Be aware that there are still a few problem waterbars and rocks hidden just under the surface.
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