Avalanche Advisory for Tuckerman and Huntington Ravines
Posted: 7:57 a.m., Wednesday, February 25, 2004

Tuckerman Ravine has LOW, MODERATE and CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger. The Little Headwall and Lower Snowfields have Low avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are very unlikely and human triggered avalanches are unlikely except in isolated pockets. Normal caution is advised. Hillman's Highway and Left Gully have Moderate avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are unlikely and human triggered avalanches are possible. Use caution in steeper terrain. The Bowl, Lip, Headwall and Right Gully have Considerable avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are possible and human triggered avalanches are probable. Be increasingly cautious in steeper terrain.

Huntington Ravine has LOW and MODERATE avalanche danger. The Escape Hatch, ODells, Pinnacle, and North Gullies have Low avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are very unlikely and human triggered avalanches are unlikely except in isolated pockets. Normal caution is advised. South, Central, Yale and Damnation gullies have Moderate avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are unlikely and human triggered avalanches are possible. Use caution in steeper terrain.

The fair weather continues today with high temperatures expected to be around -6C (20F) with relatively light winds 32-60kph (20-35mph). The temperatures and the solar gain of the last two days are starting to help the consolidation of the snowpack. Though we have left the Bowl at Considerable we feel it is moving towards the lower end of the rating. This said, keep in mind that under Considerable, human triggered avalanches are probable and under Moderate human triggered avalanches are possible. Though some settlement has occured we're still concerned with the results skiers or climbers may find if they venture out onto these open slopes and gullies. Only mild temperatures and time will help to bond the multiple layers of existing windslab to the old surface below which in some places is a developed suncrust. Don't let these bluebird skies lull you into complacency. More people get into trouble under our current conditions then do when the ratings are elevated. Be smart, travel safe!

The John Sherburne ski trail has a coat of soft new snow over mostly hard pack conditions. Anticipate water ice and rocks lurking beneath the new snow. Be prepared for these hidden hazards and 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.****

Marianne Leberman, 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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