TUCKERMAN RAVINE HAS BOTH MODERATE AND CONSIDERABLE AVALANCHE DANGER. The Little Headwall and the Lower Snowfields both have Moderate (Modéré) avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are unlikely and human triggered avalanches are possible on steep snow covered open slopes and gullies. Use caution in these locations. All other areas in Tuckerman have Considerable (Considérable) avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are possible and human triggered avalanches are probable. Unstable slabs are probable in steep terrain be increasingly cautious in these areas.

HUNTINGTON RAVINE HAS MODERATE AVALANCHE DANGER. Natural avalanches are unlikely and human triggered avalanches are possible on steep snow covered open slopes and gullies. Use caution in steeper terrain.

The summit received 3.8 inches (10 cm) of new snow in the past 24 hours with ideal loading winds from the west at 35-60 mph (55-95 kph). This snow began with light winds which deposited unconsolidated powder on an icy snow surface due to Saturday's rain. Winds increased after 11pm and held in the 50-55 mph (80-90 kph) range all morning where they currently sit. They winds have been slowly adding new slab on top of loose powder on ice. This combination has made for unstable areas of snow mainly found in strong lee pockets protected from the wind. However, you may find the old icy surface in locations more exposed to the wind. So don't be lulled into thinking this the case everywhere particularly with the currently foggy conditions producing low visibility.

There is still a hard ice crust exposed in many locations making for a slick sliding surface. The icy conditions is currently a Catch-22. In areas where you don't need crampons because of deep new snow you will be in an unstable location. If you are on the ice crust or on just several inches of new snow, on the crust, you will need your crampons. So...crampons are an absolute necessity for walking on any steep surface. Use extra caution with each step.

We had a serious accident here in Tuckerman on Tuesday due to this icy surface. A skier was heading up, without crampons, and fell before getting very far at all. Due to the poor snow year so far a fair amount of rocks are in the run out zones of most locales so BRING CRAMPONS AND AN ICE AXE FOR SAFER TRAVEL.

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.

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. 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 full 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. All of this is now covered with a veneer of new snow only an inch or two thick hiding most of the icy 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