Tuckerman and Huntington Ravines have CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are possible and human triggered avalanches are probable on steep snow covered open slopes and gullies. Unstable slabs are probable, be increasingly cautious in steeper terrain. The Little Headwall has MODERATE avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are unlikely and human triggered avalanches are possible. Use caution in steeper terrain.

The summit picked up another 6 inches (15 cm) of new snow over the past 24 hours and 8.5 inches (22 cm)over the past 48. This light 7 % density snow fell with West winds from 50-80 mph (80-128 kph). This has brought a signifacant amount of new slabs into lee areas in both ravines. The 2.5 inches (6 cm) that fell overnight Thursday into Friday morning is acting as a loose uncolsolidated layer under slabs that developed during daylight hours yesterday into today. A climber triggered a slab avalanche at the base of O'Dells yesterday just beneath where you get on the ice. This has an East facing aspect which is perfect for our prevailing West winds for new snow loading. When instability increases avoid walking right up the middle of unstable areas. Even when it takes more effort to go around, do it, it could save your life.

There are areas such as the Lip, the Sluice, and the Headwall in Tuckerman that are on the upperend of "Considerable", but not quite at "High". I believe natural avalanches are not quite likely, but they are possible. Also be aware there are areas that have more loading and instability than others even though the are all within the "Considerable" rating.

THE LION'S HEAD WINTER ROUTE IS 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 the waterbars are still not filled in and you should expect rocks just below the snow. The 8-9 inches (20-23 cm) of new snow over the past 2 days is starting to bring us back on track, but continue to watch for hazards.

 
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 today 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