Avalanche Advisory for Tuckerman and Huntington Ravines
Posted: 8:09 a.m., Thursday, February 22, 2007

Tuckerman Ravine has LOW and MODERATE avalanche danger today. The Headwall, Left Gully, 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. All other forecast areas in Tuckerman Ravine have Moderate avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are unlikely and human triggered avalanches are possible. Use caution in steeper terrain.

Huntington Ravine LOW avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are very unlikely and human triggered avalanches are unlikely except in isolated pockets. Normal caution is advised.

It seems that the storm that had been headed our way has decided to neglect the needs of our area snow lovers. What intensity the Clipper system did have will fizzle as it tracks to our south and leaves us with a flurry or two this afternoon. That leaves today's avalanche danger ratings based almost exclusively on the stability issues that we have been watching over the past few days. Consistent winds in the 60-80mph(97-129kph) range have dominated the last 24 hours on the mountain and the little bit of snow that we did pick up has been mostly transported down toward the trees. That said, some areas in the strong lee of WNW winds did mange to hold onto a bit for themselves. Huntington has seen more wind scouring than Tucks, as is often the case during strong winds. Suspect windslab can be found in isolated pockets and small snowfields in a number of areas in Tuckerman today. Of the areas rated at Moderate today, the Lip provides the most concern, as it seems to have benefited by continual small amounts of wind deposition during the past few days. Where the Lip blends into the Headwall on skier's right, stability issues begin to lessen. Realize that the Headwall, like all areas posted at Low, does have scattered pockets that deserve your attention. With good routefinding skills individuals should be able to make their way through these areas without too much trouble. A secondary stability concern are the hard slabs that are lingering from last week's bigger snow events. These harder slabs would be more difficult for a human to trigger but there is some concern about an avalanche from the more recent snow stepping down into the older hard slab resulting in a larger avalanche. The Lip area has the most potential for this to happen. Keep this in the front of your mind if you opt to travel in that area.

The Lion Head Winter Route is open. This is a steep and challenging route. Crampons, an ice axe, and the ability to properly use this equipment are necessary for safe travel on this route. The Little Headwall is forecasted as it has filled in with snow, however, it is quite a thrash to get into and out of the skiable terrain. The John Sherburne Ski Trail is open and has good coverage. Expect variable conditions including scoured sections and large drifts.

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.

Justin Preisendorfer, 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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