| Posted: 9:29 a.m., Wednesday, February 12, 2003 |
Huntington Ravine has Moderate avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are unlikely and human triggered avalanches are possible. Unstable slabs are possible on steep terrain. Be increasingly cautious in steeper terrain.
Yesterday's fracture lines in Left Gully, The Headwall and Hillman's Highway had filled in quite a bit yesterday due to the wind loading that was occuring. Currently it is snowing lightly at Hermit Lake and the summit winds are SW at 30 mph (48 kph). Snow and snow showers are forecasted throughout the day with west winds 40 to 60 mph (64 to 96 kph). What this all boils down to is that unstable slabs exist from yesterday's wind loading and are still forming with today's new snow. Be prepared to use all of your avalanche skills to assess conditions .
Today's snow showers are associated with a front moving in that is going to bring us some very cold air. Temperatures are forecasted to be as low as -30F (-35 C) with high winds over the next couple of days. Be prepared for full arctic conditions if you are planning on getting out of you car. Be prepared for more than that if you actually plan on heading into the mountains.
As discussed in many of our previous advisories, ice dams have been an on going issue in the Ravines, particularly in Huntington Ravine. They are still an issue. Pinnacle Gully has had water pouring down it on a regular basis and there have been many reports of strange ice conditions in many of the gullies. Some of these conditions include random ice and rock fall, flowing water, "creaky" ice, and water pools under a thin layer of ice on low angle terrain. Be very aware of the condition of the ice you are climbing.
THE WINTER LION HEAD ROUTE IS OPEN. The route leaves from the Huntington winter access 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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