| Posted: 9:55 a.m., Monday, February 3, 2003 |
Huntington Ravine has LOW, MODERATE and CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger. The Escape Hatch, South Gully and Odells Gully have LOW avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are very unlikely and human triggered avalanches are unlikely EXCEPT IN ISOLATED POCKETS. Normal caution is advised. Pinnacle and Central Gully 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. Yale, Damnation and North Gullies 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.
This last storm brought 11 inches (28cm) of new snow to the Summit and 12 inches (20.5 cm) here at Hermit Lake. The winds started from the ENE in the 20 mph (30 kph) range and shifted around to the N/NW as they increased. Currenly the winds are out of the northwest at 88 mph (142 kph) gusting to 118 mph (190 kph). In Tuckerman we can see a fracture line from an avalanche that occured between late yesterday and this morning. The fracture is approximately 1600' long, starting to the right of the Lip going across the Headwall over to the Chute and high up into the Chute. Parts of this fracture line are already filling in which tells us loading is still occurring in the ravine. Yesterday, two skiers were almost hit by a natural avalanche from the top of Hillmans Highway. We know many travel a long way to ski here, but skiing a steep gully in the middle of a snow storm under High avalanche danger is not a good idea. They were wearing avalungs which may have caused a false sence of security. Beacons, probes, shovels and avalungs are great back up safety gear when all goes wrong, but they should never be used in your avalanche decision making in the mountains. In Huntington Ravine, the winds have scoured the south side gullies, though you may encounter pockets of unstable snow. The northern gullies have been loaded up with new snow as have some of the approaches to the gullies. 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. But expect whales, drifts, and scouring due to the high winds. Some rocks and waterbars are still 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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