Date: Dimanche, 7 Avril 2002
Temps: 8h28
TUCKERMAN AND HUNTINGTON RAVINES 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. These pockets
are still out there so keep your avalanche senses
on alert.
The summit is a chilly -3 degrees F (-20 C) and
received 0.7 inches (2 cm) of snow in the past 24
hours with moderate winds from the northwest between
40 and 50 mph (65-80 kph). This has lightly loaded
some lee areas continuing the variable conditions
in the Ravines. As mentioned in the avalanche bulletin
yesterday, we did see a few small skier triggered
pockets of slab release high in the bowl between
the Lip and the Chute. Temperatures remained cold
so I don't think the snowpack saw much consolidation
yesterday in areas that didn't receive skier compaction.
A lot of terrain was skied through Saturday which
cut up and packed many unstable slabs. However,
if you plan on skiing or traveling unique untouched
lines enter with a conservative caution.
The valley may feel like spring, but it is still
winter high in the mountains. Be prepared for cold
windy conditions as well as a slick icy surface
underfoot. Winter clothing, mountaineering boots,
crampons, and an ice axe are all needed for safe
travel.
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.
MOUNTAINEERING BOOTS, CRAMPONS (not step ins or
sidewalk ice knubs), AND AN ICE AXE ARE NEEDED!!
The John Sherburne ski trail has good cover with
the thinner snow near the bottom. Expect hard pack
conditions unless we get warmer weather. Watch for
rocks poking through the snow as melting continues.
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