Mount Washington Avalanche Center

Although the snowpack has melted away more quickly this year than in any of the last eight springs that I’ve been paying close attention, there are still some quality turns to be had. The Sluice area down to the bottom of Lunch Rocks offers a decent descent with minimal undermined snow to worry about. Throughout Tuckerman Ravine, there are lots of crevasses and holes that you wouldn’t want to fall into, but with the current conditions it’s not too difficult to avoid these problem areas, provided you have your eyes open. That about covers the extent of what I’d consider good skiing. Other areas such are Right Gully, Left Gully, the Chute, and lower Headwall have all melted out to the point that I wouldn’t bother with them, particularly when there is good skiing in the Sluice.

The weather this Memorial Day weekend appears to be fair. There are slight chances of showers or thundershowers each day and up in the mountains you may see more clouds than down in the valley, but that’s often the case and shouldn’t be overly surprising. Bring a little sunscreen with your rain jacket and hope for the best.

2009-2010 was a year that will probably be easily lost in the memories. We were about 30% below average on snowfall, with most of our snow coming in a few big storms. In a rather unusual twist, one of the biggest storms (end of February) brought 55” of snow, but when it was all said and done the Lip area had actually LOST SNOW due to strong east winds eroding it away and sending into the Ammonusuc Ravine. Another late season 22” storm was followed quickly by a scorching heat wave, sending all 22” down into the rivers within a couple days. With storms like these, it’s no wonder we’re down to skiing just the Sluice this weekend. But, every year is different so let’s hope for a good one next year. On a very positive note, our accident rate was low this year. There were a handful of broken bones, sprains and strains, lacerations, medical illnesses, and a couple very close calls, but no major traumatic events since prior to the beginning of avalanche season. This is one trend I want to see continue!

Speaking of next year, there are some changes on the doorstep. We have new avalanche slatboards going in place at Pinkham, Hermit Lake, and the Harvard Cabin thanks to the generosity of Friends of Tuckerman. The North American Avalanche Danger Scale has also undergone a revision, the new version will be implemented beginning next winter. And the Mount Washington Avalanche Center’s website will have a new look as well. It’s not yet 100% finished, but you can have a sneak peak by looking at www.mountwashingtonavalanchecenter.org.

Thanks again, everyone, for helping to make 2009-2010 a safe and enjoyable winter. See you in November!