Date: Vendredi, 15 Mars 2002
Temps: 9h06
TUCKERMAN AND HUNTINGTON RAVINES HAVE LOW (FAIBLE) AVALANCHE
DANGER. Natural avalanches are very unlikely and
human triggered avalanches are unlikely. There is
generally stable snow, however there could be some
isolated pockets of unstable snow. Normal caution
is advised.
Avalanche danger can increase today with the expected
precipitation. It looks like a very mixed bag of
stuff coming in, with snow, sleet, freezing rain,
and rain. Snow surface conditions can change rapidly,
so expect anything from firm snow, wet snow, or
an ice coated surface. Climbers and skiers need
to be prepared to use their mountaineering skills
and have all the right equipment, including crampons,
ice axe, and rain gear. Snow and weather conditions
will possibly change hourly. Don't be foolish, turn
back if the weather looks bad, and summit bids today
are probabley not a great idea.
ICE DAM development should be one of the primary
hazards for ice climbers in the Ravines. 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 quite thin,
and watch for ice flows, emerging rocks, and changable
conditions.
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