Avalanche Advisory for Tuckerman and Huntington Ravines
Posted: 9:57 a.m., Saturday, November 22, 2003

This is an early season GENERAL ADVISORY. Use of the 5 scale avalanche danger rating system will begin when conditions warrant. Until then new advisories will be issued as needed. Realize avalanches may occur even though we are only issuing a General Advisory. This is due to the isolated nature of snow pockets and their associated instabilities. Remember if the snowfield is large enough to ski or recreate on it's large enough to avalanche. Check "tuckerman.org" frequently as we move into late November and certainly check for the latest avalanche advisory before heading into avalanche terrain.

DANGER OF FALLING ICE. THERE ARE A LOT OF HANGING AND DETACHED BLOCKS OF ICE IN THE RAVINES.Be aware of falling ice in both Ravines with warm temperatures over the next few days. Many folks have been injured and killed by falling ice so pay attention to where you are, and don't linger when under ice. Have a plan in mind about what you will do and where you will go if ice comes down. Station yourself near a large rock to duck behind in the event of ice fall. Be ice smart.

ICE CLIMBERS SHOULD RESIST THE URGE TO SWING THEIR TOOLS IN THE RAVINES UNTIL CONSISTANT COLD TEMPERATURES SOLIDIFY ALL THE ICE IN BOTH TUCKERMAN AND HUNTINGTON. THERE IS AN INCREDIBLE AMOUNT OF FLOWING GROUND WATER RIGHT NOW. REST ASSURED WHEN THE COLD TEMPERATURES COME ICE WILL BE COME IN QUICK AND BIG. BE PATIENT.

The summit received over 8.9 cm (3.5 inches) of rain between Wednesday and Friday which has just about wiped out the snow in the Ravines yet again. The summit has received over 25 cm (10 inches) of melted precipatation so far this month, the majority of which fell in the form oF rain. Rain has undermined many patches of snow and melted a significant amount of ice. Approach these areas with skepticism.

Review your safe travel rules, techniques for assessing snow stability, and sign up for an avalanche course. We have all the avalanche courses offered in the valley this winter on our website, tuckerman.org.

I realize the holiday season seems a bit far away, but it's time to start thinking of those on your shopping list. The best holiday gift you can give your backcountry loved one to express care and concern is the avalanche beacon, probe, and shovel. Too expensive? Think of the consequences or split the gift with another relative or friend. YOU'LL NEVER REGRET GIVING IT, ONLY REGRET NOT GIVING IT. THEY JUST MAY BE THE GIFT OF LIFE.

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 reading mountain weather's effect on the snowpack, and avalanche rescue.

Please Remember:
•   Any new precipitation may increase the avalanche danger, this includes wind transported snow.
 
•   Obtain 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 bulletin will be updated as needed.

Christopher Joosen, 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)

Avalanche Advisory Archives.

United States Avalanche Danger Descriptions. a