Avalanche Advisory for Tuckerman and Huntington Ravines
Posted: 8:03 a.m., Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Tuckerman Ravine has Low, Moderate and Considerable avalanche danger today. Hillman's Highway, Left Gully, and Right Gully have Low avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are very unlikely and human triggered avalanches are unlikely except in isolated pockets. Normal caution is advised. The Headwall and Bowl 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. The Lip has Considerable avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are possible and human triggered avalanches are probable. Unstable slabs are probable in steeper terrain. Be increasingly cautious in steeper terrain. The Lower Snowfields and Little Headwall are not posted due to a lack of snow in these areas.

All forecasted areas of Huntington Ravine have Low avalanche danger today. Natural avalanches are very unlikely and human triggered avalanches are unlikely except in isolated pockets. Normal caution is advised.

Today's stability ratings remain the same as yesterday, although increasing avalanche danger can be expected this evening. Over the past 6 hours the summit has picked up .5" (1.3 cm) of new snow and it is still snowing lightly on the mountain. Winds are forecasted to be out of the west at 30 to 45 mph (48 to 72 kph) for most of the day. While we are not expecting much snow today you should be thinking about wind loading and paying attention to how much snow actually falls during the day. In areas posted at Low we may see some isolated pockets of soft slab develop. The primary issues with areas posted at Moderate and Considerable are the thin touchy slabs that we discussed yesterday. Cold temperatures are slowing the settlement of these slabs which is keeping them lively. The Lip and Sluice are the areas of most concern right now. As we move into the evening hours winds will pick up to 50 to 70 mph (80 to 112 kph) and remain out of the west. Snow showers will intensify and may give us a couple of inches (5 cm) of snow. This is very similar to the events that have been causing instability this week. Don't underestimate the effect of 2" of snow on our stability. The forecasted winds are perfect for whipping 2" of snow into problematic slabs.

Snow showers remain in the forecast through Thursday and a storm system will be the focus of our attention for Friday. Right now we are expecting snow to start on Thursday night and stick around through the day on Friday. However, the main area of low pressure is tracking SE of us which will limit snowfall totals. Models are not in very good agreement yet so stay tuned to see how this plays out.

The Lion Head Summer Trail is still open. The Summer Trail crosses an avalanche prone slope that is still developing. We are keeping a close eye on this slope, but as always, safe travel techniques dictate traveling across this and other such slopes one at a time.

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. This 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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