| Posted: 8:26 a.m., Saturday, January 24, 2004 |
Huntington Ravine has MODERATE avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are unlikely and human triggered avalanches are possible. Unstable slabs are possible in steep terrain. Use caution in steeper terrain.
Over the past 24 hours the Summit has reported blowing snow on every hourly observation. Winds have been out of the WNW between 65 and 120 kph (45 to 75 mph). What this information is telling us is that the light density snow that fell on Thursday and Friday morning is still being transported into lee areas of WNW winds. As recent history has proven, these relatively small snow fall amounts can initiate avalanche cycles with the right winds, which we feel we have. Areas of most concern today are in the Headwall, Lip, Sluice and Right Gully. These are the areas that we feel have the potential for natural avalanche activity. All areas posted at Moderate should be approached with caution. These areas have cold, newly deposited wind slabs that may only need your body weight to tip the balance between shear stress and slab strength. These areas may also have places where the wind has scoured out the new snow and left only old surface in places. Realize that if you do find old surface, it may not be an indication of what is above you.
If you are heading into the mountains today, be prepared for very cold and windy conditions. While this message may sound like a skipping record, conditions up here should not be taken lightly. The current summit temperature is -33C (-27F) with a wind chill factor of -57 C (-70F). These conditions make very important chores difficult, like keeping your skin from freezing and keeping your core temperature up. Be conservative in your decisions in the mountains today.
The John Sherburne ski trail has variable conditions. Expect areas of water ice and abrupt water bars. Be prepared for sudden changes in the trail.
THE LION HEAD WINTER ROUTE IS OPEN. This is a steep and challenging route. Ice axe, crampons, and the skill to use them well are necessary for safe travel. Remember, it is always easier to go up than come down.
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: | ||
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Avalanche Advisory Archives.
United States Avalanche Danger Descriptions.
Échelle Canadienne de risque d’avalanche.
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