Date: Samedi, 30 Mars 2002
Temps: 7h32
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. These isolated areas of instability
do exist. Normal caution is advised.
Currently at Hermit Lake it is 34 degrees F with
freezing ice pellets due to moisture falling through
the cold air aloft. I expect this all to change
over to rain as the temperatures continue to rise.
The summit has a temperature of 27 and is expected
to head into the mid 30's before the passing cold
front stops these elevated temps. At this time we
are not expecting heavy rain this morning, but it
is rain none the less. There should be breaks in
moisture on and off through the morning hours. Precipatation
is expected to taper into partial clearing this
afternoon. Colder temperatures should begin to freeze
up this morning rain with the passing of the front
late in the day. This should make for slick conditions
in steep terrain. EXPECT AN INCREASING AVALANCHE
DANGER IF WE BEGIN TO GET STEADY RAIN FOR A PERIOD
OF TIME. IF RAIN BECOMES HEAVY A RAPID RISE IN THE
AVALANCHE DANGER COULD OCCUR. BE PREPARED TO GET
OUT OF AVALANCHE TERRAIN.
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 John Sherburne ski trail has variable conditions.
It should be soft skiing this morning and get progressively
harder later in the day. By Sunday morning I expect
the trail to be quite unforgiving.
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