Date: Mercredi, 20 Mars 2002
Temps: 9h46
TUCKERMAN RAVINE HAS CONSIDERABLE AVALANCHE DANGER.
Natural avalanches are possible and human triggered
avalanches are probable. Unstable slabs are probable
on steep slopes. You will need to use your avalanche
skills if you go into avalanche terrain today.
THE LITTLE HEADWALL HAS MODERATE AVALANCHE DANGER.
Natural avalanches are unlikely and human triggered
avalanches are possible. This area has a lot of
undermined snow so climb up what you plan on coming
down to avoid any surprises.
HUNTINGTON RAVINE HAS CONSIDERABLE AVALANCHE DANGER
IN THE ESCAPE HATCH, SOUTH, ODELL'S, AND PINNICLE
GULLYS. CENTRAL, YALE, DAMINATION, AND NORTH HAVE
MODERATE (MODÉRÉ) AVALANCHE DANGER.
Snow was observed blowing into the northeast facing
gullys in Huntington. We have had light winds for
the past 24 hours, so there is a lot of snow waiting
to be blown onto the lee slopes. We are also expecting
new snow this afternoon so watch for increasing
avalanche danger and changing weather and snow consitions.
Avalanches were observed yesterday on Hillmans Highway
and in Central Gully.
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.
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