Avalanche Advisory for Tuckerman and Huntington Ravines
Posted: 8:58 a.m., Friday, February 27, 2004

Tuckerman Ravine has MODERATE and LOW avalanche danger. The Bowl, Headwall and Lip 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. All other forecast areas in Tuckerman Ravine have Low avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are very unlikely and human triggered avalanches are unlikely except in isolated pockets. Normal caution is advised.

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.

Sunshine and seasonably warm temperatures are dominating today's weather again. Yesterday's field observations found sun crusts and wet surface snow on south aspects that received notable solar gain. On the flip side, light wind loading was occuring throughout the day yesterday. New snow was deposited in some areas such as on the top of Hillman's Highway and in the Lip. While most areas have recently come down a rating, it is important to understand that there are still areas to be concerned about. Left Gully, Hillman's Highway and Right Gully have all just dropped from Moderate to Low. Remember that an area rated Low may have isolated pockets of instability. This certainly applies to these areas today. While you may find yourself climbing up hard surface or breaking through a sun crust, you shouldn't assume that those conditions will be found in all parts of that forecast area. Cold slabs that still possess enough elastic energy to propogate a fracture may be found on areas sheltered from the sun. Another potential hazard to think about is sluffing on south aspects. The past few days of warm temperatures have not been enough to produce these, however, if increasing temperatures, strong sun and light winds prevail be prepared for this to occur.

The John Sherburne ski trail has mostly hard pack conditions. Anticipate water ice and rocks throughout the length of the trail. Be prepared for these hidden hazards and sudden changes.

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.****

Brian Johnston, 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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