Date: Mardi, 19 Mars 2002
Temps: 9h34
TUCKERMAN AND HUNTINGTON RAVINES HAVE HIGH (ÉLEVÉ) AVALANCHE
DANGER Natural and human triggered avalanches are
likely. Unstable slabs are likely on a variety of
aspects. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.
With about 6 inches ( 15 cm ) of new snow and a
summit wind from the southwest at 24 MPH ( 39 KPH
) considerable drifting can take place in the ravines.
The wind is expected to shift around to the north,
thus loading a variety of aspects. There is a chance
for more snow tomorrow, and prehaps a significant
snowfall midweek.
We had a couple close calls with dogs and one serious
ski edge injury Sunday afternoon. As spring approaches
the Ravine will see more and more of our canine
friends. Realize this can be a very dangerous place
for your dog and you need to be responsible for
their safety.
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
over the weekend, 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 columns.
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 an absolute necessity.
The ski trail has new powder snow covering a very
hard and often icy base. There may be ice flows
and rocks hiding under the powder, so use extra
caution.
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