Avalanche Advisory for Tuckerman and Huntington Ravines
Posted: 7:44 a.m., Friday, December 1, 2006

This is an early season GENERAL AVALANCHE ADVISORY. Use of the 5-scale danger rating system will begin when conditions warrant. Until then new advisories will be issued as needed. A General Advisory is issued when instabilities are isolated within the entire forecast area. Check tuckerman.org frequently as we move through the early part of December. Always check the latest avalanche advisory before heading into avalanche terrain.

We are about to say good-bye to another warm week that broke some records and seemed to melt rocks once the snow disappeared. But before winter comes to the higher elevations like a lion we will have to endure one more day of rain. Rain will increase through Friday as the front approaches with thunderstorms in the afternoon. Winds will increase as well making for a very unpleasant day for mountain travel. Saturday everything changes. Temperatures will move into the single numbers with 100 mph (160kph) winds and upslope snow showers. These weather conditions after heavy rain may make for slippery surfaces under foot so be cautious if you plan on being out and about. Winter is arriving with more light snow coming through the week. We will continue with General Advisories for the foreseeable future although we still don't have much to discuss as far as avalanches are concerned. However from time to time we may be issuing General Advisories more frequently than once every three days as snow increases so check back often.

Be aware of falling ice. Many folks have been injured and killed by falling ice so pay attention to where you are, and don't linger under ice. Have a plan in mind concerning what you will do and where you will go if ice comes down. Until consistent colder temperatures move in we still won't see conducive conditions for ice climbing in the Ravines. If you are anxious to get out climbing early season ice, my advice is to be patient.

Winter is about to come in like a freight train. Don't plan on being able to follow summer trails safely. Be ready for the conditions you'll face with appropriate winter gear, i.e. winter clothes, ice axe, crampons, avalanche beacons, shovels, and probes. Don't wait any longer to refresh your avalanche skills. Pull out your beacon, install some fresh high quality alkaline batteries, and practice. Review your safe travel rules, techniques for assessing snow stability, and sign up for an avalanche course.

Avalanche courses offered in the valley this winter are now on our website, tuckerman.org.

Please Remember:
•   It is impossible to accurately predict natural events, such as avalanches, in every instance. This Advisory is one tool to help you make your own decisions in avalanche terrain. It should be used along with safe travel techniques, snow stability assessments, an understanding of weather's effect on the snowpack, and proficiency in avalanche rescue.
 
•   You should obtain the latest weather forecast before heading into the mountains. Anticipate a changing avalanche danger when actual weather differs from the National Weather Service forecast.
 
•   For more information, contact the U.S. Forest Service Snow Rangers, the HMC Caretaker at the Harvard Cabin, and the AMC at Pinkham Notch Visitor Center or Hermit Lake Shelters.

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.

Back to the Tuckerman Ravine Home Page

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