Date: Dimanche, 17 Mars 2002
Temps: 7h56
TUCKERMAN AND HUNTINGTON RAVINES HAVE LOW (FAIBLE) AVALANCHE
DANGER. Natural avalanches are very unlikely and
human triggered avalanches are unlikely except in
isolated pockets. Normal caution is advised.
The forecast is calling for sunny skies, the second
best thing to getting more snow! The surface should
be very slick today so be prepared with crampons,
an ice axe, and mountaineering skill. A slip and
fall on a slick slope could produce grave consequences
as rocks are in most runout areas. Climbers, hikers,
skiers, and riders need to be prepared to use their
mountaineering skills and have all the right equipment.
We seem to be heading into spring quickly so start
watching for the usual warm weather hazards. One
example, but not limited to, is the Little Headwall
which has begun undermining.
ICE DAMS produced some close calls for climbers
yesterday, this 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. However it
is deteriorating quickly due to poor snow coverage
and warm weather. Please stay on route to minimize
climber impacts to the area. This is critical to
keeping the trail open and protecting the resource.
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 changing
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.
Christopher Joosen, Snow Ranger
USDA Forest Service
White Mountain National Forest
(603) 466-2713 TTY (603) 466-2856