Avalanche Advisory for Tuckerman and Huntington Ravines

Posted: 8:44 a.m., Tuesday, February 4, 2003

Tuckerman Ravine has MODERATE and CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger. The Little Headwall has 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 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.

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.

The winds shifted around from the NW to the S between 10pm and midnight last night. They started out around 20 mph (32kph) and have steadily increased to the current 55mph (88kph). With this scenario we expect that the northern aspects have received additional snow loading. It is currently snowing and snow is expected to continue through the day. The ravines are obscured by clouds which could make safe travel difficult so put on your avalanche hat if you venture out into avalanche terrain today.

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.

Please Remember:

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Any new precipitation may increase the avalanche danger, this includes wind transported snow. Obtain the latest weather forecast before starting out. For more information, contact the U.S. Forest Service Snow Rangers: AMC at Pinkham Notch Visitor Center or Hermit Lake Shelters. THIS AVALANCHE ADVISORY WILL EXPIRE AT MIDNIGHT.

Marianne Leberman, Snow Ranger
USDA Forest Service
White Mountain National Forest
(603) 466-2713 TTY (603) 466-2856

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This is the Official Tuckerman Ravine website. Occasionally the remoteness of Tuckerman Ravine, weather, or communication problems prevent the website from being updated immediately. Check the date, and if it is not the most recent, you can also call the National Forest Service's 24 hour avalanche hotline at (603) 466-2713 (ext. 4)

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