Date: Dimanche, 31 Mars 2002
Temps: 7h58
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. Normal caution is advised.
Mostly sunny skies should dominate the majority
of the day with clouds coming late. This weather
maker should trigger some snow or rain showers into
tomorrow morning. Well it seems the spring season
started yesterday with skiers and riders covering
most areas of the ravine and establishing boot packs
in multiple locations. Some undermining has once
again begun on the Little Headwall. It is not a
significant hazard at this time, but use caution.
Don't forget your sunscreen.
BE AWARE OF FALLING ICE (GLACE EN CHUTE)! Due to it being both winter
and spring up here this hazard will come and go
with warm and cold temperatures. When it's warm
and sunny this hazard will increase and when it's
10 degrees F and blowing at 100 mph the hazard will
subside. Each year over 1000 tons of ice forms on
the headwall in Tuckerman Ravine. In the spring
it all comes down, often in pieces larger than cars.
Many folks have been injured and even killed by
falling ice (glace en chute). Pay attention to where you are, do
not linger under ice. Have a plan in mind about
what you will do if ice comes down. Station yourself
near a large rock to duck behind in the event of
ice fall. BE ICE SMART!
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.
LAST NIGHT WE RESCUED 4 INDIVIDUALS, ONE OF WHICH
WAS INJURED, DUE TO THE LACK OF APPROPRIATE EQUIPMENT.
MOUNTAINEERING BOOTS, CRAMPONS (not step ins or
sidewalk ice knubs), AND AN ICE AXE ARE NEEDED!!
The John Sherburne ski trail has variable conditions
depending on the temperature. It should be hard
this morning and become softer through the day.
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