| Posted: 9:01 a.m., Sunday, February 2, 2003 |
Huntington Ravine has CONSIDERABLE and HIGH avalanche danger. The Escape Hatch and South 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. All other areas in Huntington Ravine have HIGH avalanche danger. Natural and Human triggered avalanches are likely. Unstable slabs are likely on a variety of aspects and slope angles. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.
Over the past 24 hours the summit has received 3.1 inches (7.9 cm) of snow as of 6:00 am. Hermit Lake picked up 5 inches (12.7 cm) of snow with a density of 7% as of 7:15 am and by 8:30 we have picked up another inch. The snow began around 10 pm last night with ENE winds in the mid 20 mph (30 kph) range. Currenly the winds are out of the north at 37 mph (59 kph) gusting to 50 mph (84 kph). Snow is forecasted to continue throughout most of the day and the winds are forecasted to increase to 60 to 80 mph (96 to 129 kph). Snow totals are expected to be around 10 inches (25 cm). If this forecast plays out we expect a lot of snow to load into the gullies today. It is likely for the light unconsolidated 7% snow to be buried by harder wind slab once the winds pick up. This is a good formula for slab avalanche activity. Currently we are moving through the Considerable rating toward High. If all plays out expect High avalanche danger by the late morning hours in the forecasted areas today. Tomorrow's weather is calling for windy conditions. These conditions should continue to move snow into the Ravines. On Tuesday, another weather maker will make its way into the region bringing more snow. I don't expect stability to improve too much with this weather forecast.
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 improving with this new snow. Some obstacles and waterbars are hidden under the new snow.
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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