Date: Vendredi, 22 Mars 2002
Temps: 9h10
TUCKERMAN RAVINE HAS HIGH AVALANCHE DANGER. Natural
and human triggered avalanches are likely. Unstable
slabs are likely on a variety of aspects and slope
angles. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.
HUNTINGTON RAVINE HAS CONSIDERABLE AVALANCHE DANGER.
Natural avalanches are possible and human triggered
avalanches are probable. Be increasingly cautious
in steeper terrain.
The summit received 4 inches (10 cms) of new snow
and we picked up 5 inches (12.5 cms) here at Hermit
Lake. This new snow brings the total to about 20
inches over the past 4 days. During this period
only moderate winds brought new snow into the Ravines.
However, last night winds picked up with the passing
cold front, which dropped the temperature 45 degrees
F (-25 C), and produced winds over 112 mph (180
kph). These winds are currently blowing a tremendous
amount of new snow into both Tuckerman and Huntington
Ravines. Large drifts were found on all trails up
from Pinkham Notch and Route 16. This is an excellent
indication what you should find in most avalanche
paths. In addition to the avalanche hazard summit
conditions are truely artic today. With a current
temperature of -19 degrees F and wind blowing steady
over 100 mph a summit bid would be absolutely desperate.
These weather conditions beg the saying "If anything
goes wrong, death is likely". Play it conservative
and hit the hot tub today.
We had a couple close calls with dogs and one serious
ski edge injury this past weekend. 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.
THE LION'S HEAD WINTER ROUTE IS OPEN. However it
is deteriorating quickly due to poor snow coverage
and warm weather. This new snow should help, but
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 variable conditions from large
drifts, to powder, to old surface.
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