Date: Jeudi, 28 Mars 2002
Temps: 10h03
TUCKERMAN RAVINE AND HUNTINGTON RAVINE HAVE LOW (FAIBLE)
AVALANCHE DANGER. Natural avalanches are very unlikely
and human triggered avalanches are unlikely EXCEPT
IN ISOLATED POCKETS on steep snow covered open slopes
and gullies. There are isolated areas of instability
so keep your avalanche eyes open. Normal caution
is advised.
The summit reported .6 inches of snow (1.5 cm) over
the last 24 hours with W and WNW winds this may
be lightly loading lee areas with new slab. Yesterday's
warm weather helped settle new loading which occured
Tuesday into Wednesday morning. The temperature
reached 42 degrees F (6 C) here at Hermit Lake and
32 F (0 C) on the summit. This was followed by a
drop of 22 degrees (12 C) which has frozen the surface
into a breakable crust. As the cold temperatures
move down into the snowpack expect this crust to
become thicker and the possibility of near surface
faceted crystals. Snow showers are forecasted for
the mountains through the day. Watch for an increasing
avalanche danger if these showers bring in enough
new snow. So pay attention to changing conditions
and be ready to change your plans.
With the return to cold weather after a warm pattern
ICE DAMS should be a concern for ice climbers. Play
it smart when choosing your route.
THE LION'S HEAD WINTER ROUTE IS OPEN. 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 rather rough and unpleasant conditions
due to yesterdays warm weather and last nights freeze
up so use 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.
Christopher Joosen, Snow Ranger
USDA Forest Service
White Mountain National Forest
(603) 466-2713 TTY (603) 466-2856