Avalanche Advisory for Tuckerman and Huntington Ravines
Posted: 8:41 a.m., Saturday, February 28, 2004

Tuckerman Ravine has MODERATE and LOW avalanche danger. The Bowl, Headwall and Left Gully 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.

The primary avalanche concerns today are on slopes that have not received solar gain this week. These slopes exist on the south side of the Ravines with the most concern being in Tuckerman. Yesterday we observed facet growth within an unconsolidated snow layer over a hard pack surface. This was all sitting under a cold wind slab layer that had some elastic energy. At the time of observation we felt that it would be unlikely to cause an avalanche, however, the facet growth concerned us enough to raise the danger back up to Moderate in Left Gully. Be aware of this weakening trend and the potential for human triggerd activity to occur. Similar conditions may be found in other parts of the Bowl, especially on the south side. Skiers took advantage of warm temperatures yesterday and skied Right Gully, the Sluice and the Lip. Tracks are still visible today, however, some new snow has blown into the Lip. Skiers did find areas of wind slab and we feel that it is still worth emphasizing that isolated pockets of instability may be found in areas posted at Low. 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.

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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