Date: Mercredi, 6 Mars 2002
Temps: 8h59
TUCKERMAN AND HUNTINGTON RAVINES HAVE LOW (FAIBLE) AVALANCHE
DANGER TODAY. Natural avalanches are very unlikely
and human triggered avalanches are unlikely. There
may be isolated pockets of unstable slabs on steep
snow covered open slopes and gullies. Normal caution
is advised.
With the cold temperatures the previously wet snowpack
is now frozen solid. There is a hard crusty surface
making for a slick sliding surface for any new snow
and for people. Crampons are an absolute necessity
for walking on any steep surface. Use extra caution
with each step.
Watch for increasing avalanche danger with any new
snow or rain.
Some small ICE DAMS and multiple water gushers were
witnessed Saturday in Huntington Ravine by several
climbers. Water running from ice tool placements
have been reported in numerous locations so be cautious
for hydrolic pressure and ice dams in commonly found
areas such as over the top of bulges and steep colums.
HE 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. Use caution
on the trail as there are areas where the rocks
are showing. Please stay on route to minimize climber
impacts to the area. Consider it good practice to
move slow and thoughtfully with crampons on rock.
This is a difficult steep route so crampons, ice
axe, and mountaineering skills are essential.
The ski trail has good coverage but is pretty firm
after the rain and with the current cold temperatures.
There are a couple of areas of water ice lower on
the trail.
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.
Brad Ray, Snow Ranger
USDA Forest Service
White Mountain National Forest
(603) 466-2713 TTY (603) 466-2856