| Posted: 8:15 a.m., Friday, January 31, 2003 |
Tuckerman Ravine has MODERATE and LOW avalanche danger. The Bowl and Lip have MODERATE avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are unlikely and human triggered avalanches are possible. Unstable slabs are possible on 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.
Field observations in Tuckerman Ravine have found a variety of surface conditions. There are many areas of old surface and very hard wind slab throughout the Ravine. In places we found softer slabs in strong lee areas. In the Bowl, things are generally Low, however, from the Lip over toward the Sluice and climbers right of the upper Chute there are pockets of softer wind slab that you should watch out for. Areas posted at Low do have isolated pockets of softer slab. Be aware of this and use your avalanche skills to navigate a safe route through these areas. Today's warmer temperatures and sunny skies should help stabalize some of these areas of softer slab, especially on south aspects. The weather forecast is calling for a wintery mix through the weekend. It is unclear as to how much precipitation the mountains will get but we do expect to receive something. Be prepared for increasing avalanche danger over the weekend if this system brings us snow or rain.
This months very cold weather has caused some natural ice dam activity in both Tuckerman and Huntington Ravines. Last weekend microwave sized blocks of ice and rock were witnessed falling out of Odell's and Pinnacle Gully had running water over the surface of the ice. As of yesterday, Pinnacle still had running water on the surface. One party had to retreat after the first pitch because their ropes had frozen into unmanageable cables. Realize that these conditions may still exist. Be acutely aware of the condition of the ice you are climbing.
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 once again improving. Be aware that there are still a few problem waterbars, rocks, and hidden branches from last weeks big wind just under the surface.
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.
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