| Posted: 7:55 a.m., Friday, February 14, 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.
With 7.5" (19 cm) of new snow over the past five days and plenty of wind to move it around, unstable slabs may be found in a wide vareity of areas. The very cold temperatures that we have had this week have inhibited slab settlement. In areas posted at Considerable we are more concerned about the human triggered element of avalanche activity than the possibility of natural avalanches. Though natural avalanches could happen, we are more concerned about a climber or skier triggering a large avalanche in these areas. Be aware that unstable slabs exist and route finding skills and stability assessment skills are necessary to travel safely in avalanche terrain.
As of 7:00 a.m. the summit temperature was -36F (-38 C) with WNW at 73 mph (117 kph). The wind chill for these conditions is about -88 F. The ambient high temperatures for the summits today are forecasted to be -15 to -25 F (-25 to -32 C) with NW winds 60 to 80 mph (96 to 128 kph). Very cold temperatures are expected to persist through the weekend. It is important to realize the severity of our weather if you plan on adventuring in the mountains over the next few days. In these conditions, very small mishaps can turn into a disaster. BE PREPARED!
As discussed in many of our previous advisories, ice dams have been an on going issue in the Ravines, particularly in Huntington Ravine. Pinnacle Gully has had water pouring down it on a regular basis and there have been reports of strange ice conditions in several 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. The extreme cold temperatures that we are experiencing are probably not helping the situation at all. 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 trail 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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