Avalanche Advisory for Tuckerman and Huntington Ravines
Posted: 8:05 a.m., Monday, January 26, 2004

Tuckerman Ravine has LOW and MODERATE avalanche danger. Hillman's Highway, the Little Headwall, the Lower Snowfields and Left gully have 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 Tuckerman Ravine have 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.

Huntington Ravine has LOW avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are very unlikely and human triggered avalanches are unlikely except in isolated pockets. Normal caution is advised.

High winds continued throughout the past 24 hours with a maximum gust from the NW of 165 kph (101 mph). This loaded some strong lee areas with a bit more snow, but also continued to pack and scour wind exposed slopes. These 2 scenarios can be witnessed by looking straight into Tuckerman from Hermit Lake. On the North side smooth newly loaded snow, that was protected from high NW winds, can be seen under the Sluice, Lip, and the right side of the Headwall. As you look to the South under the Left Headwall and the Chute more wind scouring can be observed. So realize more instability exists on SE and ESE aspects on the northern side of Tuckerman than E and ENE aspects in the southern half, such as under the Chute and Left gully. However, as you move higher in the southern half of the Bowl pockets less effected by wind begin to cause concern as they are small lee areas subject to cross loading. The upper climbers right side of the Chute is a good example of this concern.

The summit is warming up!! We're up to -22C (-8 F), it feels like a heat wave compared to what we've been used to over the past several days. But, these current temperatures with 130kph (80 mph) winds are still quite dangerous so use caution and have all the right Arctic clothing. This weekend the summit got down to -39C(-38F) with high winds, a new record for the date. But, it certainly didn't keep poorly prepared people away. Believe it or not I believe we saw almost as many cotton sweatshirts, Carhart pants, and work boots as we did Arctic climbing apparel. Some visitors appeared to be running around without packs. We talked to multiple folks with white patches on cheeks and noses who were in the early stages of frostbite. With the amount of people out I am once again suprised significant problems didn't occur. When it gets very cold the appropriate clothing may save your life. Always think hard about all the potential problems that could occur when Arctic air dominates the mountains. The hills can be quite unforgiving to the unprepared.

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:
•   ****Any new precipitation may increase the avalanche danger, this includes wind transported snow. ****Obtain the latest weather forecast before starting out. ****For more information, contact any of the following: U.S. Forest Service Snow Rangers, AMC at the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center, AMC at the Hermit Lake Shelters, HMC at the Harvard Cabin. ****This avalanche advisory will expire at midnight.****

Christopher Joosen, Snow Ranger
USDA Forest Service
White Mountain National Forest
(603) 466-2713 TTY (603) 466-2856
 
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.

Échelle Canadienne de risque d’avalanche.

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