Tuckerman and Huntington Ravine currently have CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are possible and human triggered avalanches are probable. Be increasingly cautious in steeper terrain. The Lower Snowfields and the Little Headwall in Tuckerman both have Low avalanche danger. Avalanches are unlikey except in isolated pockets. Normal caution is advised.

The summit reported 10.4 inches of snow over the past 24 hours. This began at roughly 7 am Saturday morning with very light winds. Winds stayed in the single numbers till about noon when they shifted out of the NW-WNW and within several hours were blowing over 100 mph with a peak of 112 mph. We received a couple of inches of loose unconsolidated snow before the winds began to pick up, this created a slab over the now weak uncosolidated layer. An enormous amount of snow blew into lee areas during the peak precipatation period between noon and midnight due to high NW-WNW winds this generated avalanche activity in Hillmans Highway, Left gully, the Chute, the Bowl, the Lip and most likely to NE in the Sluice and the Right gully. Crown lines are still crisp on the Left, or South side, of the Ravine but as you move towards the center they become filled in and "muted". On the right side fracture lines are not visible. Due to the NW winds they have likely been filled back in with new snow after sliding. So be aware the Lip, Sluice and Right gully have been reloaded with significant amounts of new snow.

THE LION'S HEAD WINTER TRAIL IS NOW OPEN. Follow the orange Lion Head signs off of the Tuckerman Ravine trail about 1.75 miles up from Pinkham. This is a difficult steep route so crampons, ice axe, and mountaineering skills are essential.

Coverage on the John Sherburne ski trail is improving but expect some rocks, waterbars, and brush hidden just below the snow.

 
PLEASE REMEMBER:
 
• Any new precipitation may increase the avalanche danger, this includes wind transported snow.
 
• Obtain latest weather forecast before starting out.
 
• For more information, contact the U.S. Forest Service Snow Rangers: AMC at Pinkham Notch Visitor Center or Hermit Lake Shelters.
 
• This bulletin expires at midnight and the next avalanche bulletin will be issued tomorrow.

 
Christopher Joosen, Snow Ranger
USDA Forest Service
White Mountain National Forest
(603) 466-2713 TTY (603) 466-2856

	TUCKERMAN RAVINE
	Hillman's Highway
	Lower Snowfields
	Little Headwall
	The Bowl
	Headwall
	The Lip
	Left Gully
	Right Gully

	HUNTINGTON RAVINE
	Escape Hatch
	South Gully
	Odell's Gully
	Pinnacle Gully
	Central Gully
	Yale Gully
	Damnation Gully
	North Gully

 
RETOUR