Avalanche Advisory for Tuckerman and Huntington Ravines


 Posted: 8:14 a.m., Monday, February 25, 2008
 Tuckerman Ravine has Moderate and Low avalanche danger today. The Bowl,
 Lip, Headwall and Right Gully have Moderate avalanche danger. Natural
 avalanches are unlikely and human triggered avalanches are possible.


 Unstable slabs are possible in steep terrain. Use caution in steeper
 terrain. All other forecast areas in Tuckerman Ravine have Low
 avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are very unlikely and human
 triggered avalanches are unlikely except in isolated pockets. Normal
 caution is advised.


 Huntington Ravine has Low avalanche danger today. Natural avalanches
 are very unlikely and human triggered avalanches are unlikely except in
 isolated pockets. Normal caution is advised.


 High pressure will provide relatively calm winds and plenty of sun this
 morning and we can expect increasing clouds with a slight chance of a
 snow shower this afternoon. This weather paired with a lot of travel
 options in avalanche terrain makes it a nice day to be climbing on the
 mountain. As forecasted, winds picked up yesterday afternoon and began
 blowing snow around the mountain. While the aerial show was nice to
 watch, it didn't result in much loading in either Ravine. The fracture
 line from Saturday night's avalanche in the Headwall is still visible
 as are some faint signs of ski tracks that were put in the lower Sluice
 late yesterday. This leaves us with the slabs that were of concern
 yesterday on the north side of the Headwall, in the Lip, around the
 Sluice and near the top of Right Gully. Some areas were actually
 scoured by the increase in winds yesterday, which is why there isn't
 much to say about stability concerns in Huntington outside of an
 isolated pocket here and there. Areas posted at Low around Tuckerman
 also have isolated pockets to watch out for. If you are up here to ski
 in avalanche terrain, the pockets I am referring to are probably what
 you are going to try to ski as the other option is like a hockey rink
 tilted at a 35 to 45 degree angle. Don't jump into these blindly. Take
 the time to assess their stability first.


 The hockey rink surface I mentioned is providing excellent crampon
 conditions on the mountain. However, if you slip you must self arrest
 immediately because the potential for long sliding falls exists in most
 locations. This includes the Lion Head Winter Route. If you are a bit
 rusty with self arrest techniques, be sure to practice in a safe spot
 before heading into terrain that will be unfriendly to a sliding fall.


 Do not attempt to climb on steep slopes without crampons, an ice axe
 and solid self arrest skills.


 I can't help but smile when I look at the weather for the week. A major
 winter storm is in store for us tomorrow through Wednesday and it
 appears that it will be all snow in the mountains. As usual, there are
 some conflicts in the models, especially for the second round of snow
 on Wednesday. For now, let's just say were in for a good storm with
 accumulating snow from Tuesday afternoon into the day on Wednesday.


 Expect increasing avalanche danger as a result of this storm. An active
 pattern continues with another round of snow possible for the weekend.


 The Sherburne Ski Trail has some new snow on top of icy conditions.


 Please Remember:
 o It is impossible to accurately predict natural events, such as
 avalanches, in every instance. This Advisory is one tool to help you
 make your own decisions in avalanche terrain. It should be used along
 with safe travel techniques, snow stability assessments, an
 understanding of weather's effect on the snowpack, and proficiency in
 avalanche rescue.


 o You should obtain the latest weather forecast before heading into
 the mountains. Anticipate a changing avalanche danger when actual
 weather differs from the National Weather Service forecast.


 o For more information, contact the U.S. Forest Service Snow
 Rangers, the AMC at Pinkham Notch Visitor Center or Hermit Lake
 Shelters, or the HMC caretaker at the Harvard Cabin. This advisory will
 expire at midnight.


 Brian Johnston, Snow Ranger
 USDA Forest Service
 White Mountain National Forest