| Posted: 9:06 a.m., Friday, February 7, 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.
Up to 2 inches of snow are forecasted for today with light to moderate West winds. Some new loading should occur through the day so be prepared for a potential increase in the avalanche danger. Anticipate the majority of new loading to occur on Eastern aspects, but keep cross loading in mind for other locations. Keep your eyes open for signs of instability. Between this past Sunday and Wednesday we received 18" (45 cm) of snow with winds ranging from the S to NW. During these few days both ravines picked up a tremendous amount of snow. Yesterday new fracture lines were visible in The Bowl and Hillman's Highway. However, they were muted which implies that new snow been filling them in. 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. Also realize that in particular Right and Left gully have just come down from Considerable so they are the most suspect of the areas rated as Moderate. In Huntington Ravine most areas of instability can be found in the lower half of the gullies and in the Fan on the approaches. Saying this realize that there are pockets of instability higher up in some locations, but the majority is down low. 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 weeks new snow. However, due to high winds expect variable conditions in the form of whales, drifts, and scouring. 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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