| Posted: 9:06 a.m., Thursday, February 6, 2003 |
Huntington Ravine has LOW and MODERATE avalanche danger. The Escape Hatch has Low avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are very unlikely and human triggered avalanches are unlikely except in isolated pockets. Normal caution is advised. All other areas in Huntington Ravine 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.
Over the past few days we have received 18" (45 cm) of snow with winds ranging from the S to NW. During these few days both ravines have picked up a tremendous amount of snow. Fracture lines are visible in The Bowl and Hillman's Highway, however, they are muted. This implies that new snow has started filling in these lines. There are still a lot of areas of instablity. In Huntington Ravine these areas are found low down in the gullies, on the Fan and in some of the upper start zones. In Tuckerman Ravine these areas are prominent in all areas rated Considerable. In areas posted as Moderate in Tuckerman Ravine there are large pockets of snow that we feel are suspect. These pockets are larger than what we consider "isolated pockets", hence the Moderate rating. If you are heading into avalanche terrain today use all of your safe travel and route finding skills. Cold weather will prevent things from settling quickly. Keep this in mind if you are planning a trip up here this weekend.
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, however, 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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