Mt Washington NH Avalanche Bulletin

Forest Service Advisory for Mt Washington, New Hampshire

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Avalanche Advisory for Tuckerman and Huntington Ravines

Posted: 8:30 a.m., Monday, May 12, 2008 Tuckerman Ravine has avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are very unlikely and human triggered avalanches are unlikely except in isolated pockets. Normal caution is advised.

A "GENERAL ADVISORY" is currently in effect for Huntington Ravine. We have finished issuing avalanche advisories using the U.S. 5-scale danger rating system for the remainder of the season. You will need to do your own snow stability assessments when using avalanche terrain in Huntington Ravine. A danger of falling ice exists and will persist until it all comes down.

Near-perfect weather seems to be the theme for this spring ski season.

While we've had our share of cold wet days, more often than not it's been beautiful. Yesterday was one great example, today and tomorrow should be two more examples. The weather forecast is for clear, warm, and sunny through Wednesday at least. If you've only ever been here when it's nasty, I'd encourage you to make the trip on one of these fine spring days. If you do, you'll find top to bottom coverage in both Hillman's and Left Gully. For this time of the year that's pretty good.

These are the two runs we recommend not only for their length and quality but they also have less exposure to the objective hazards that can be found elsewhere on the mountain. These hazards include icefall, crevasses, and undermined snow.

ICEFALL is a significant hazard to be aware of if you are visiting Tuckerman Ravine. Large chunks still remain above Lunch Rocks in the Sluice and in the center Headwall. A number of people had close encounters with icefall recently. No area is completely immune to icefall. A skier in Left Gully had his helmet removed by a sizeable piece on Friday, thankfully leaving him uninjured. Remember, always be aware of what is above you and have a plan in mind for what you will do if icefall occurs. Remnants of fallen ice litter the Ravine leaving sizeable obstacles that are best avoided.

CREVASSES exist in many areas and rival icefall as the primary concern for visitors. Although the Lip, Headwall, and upper Bowl have the greatest concentration of crevasses most other areas have begun developing their share of fissures as well. These may be very difficult to see from above so remember to always climb up what you plan on descending to allow you to assess the hazards at a more leisurely pace.

TRAVELING THROUGH THE LIP AREA IS NOT RECOMMENDED. The hazards in this area include deep crevasses directly in the fall line, undermined snow near the waterfall, and icefall potential on both sides. If this weren't bad enough, it's also heavily moguled and runneled. Be smart and pick a better line.

Be on the lookout for UNDERMINED AND COLLAPSING SNOW in and around water channels. Skiing and riding down the Little Headwall is no longer an option. Walk down the Tuckerman Ravine Trail from the floor of the ravine to get back to Hermit Lake.

If you plan on being in steep terrain we recommend you bring an ice axe and crampons and know how to use them. Through the springtime an increasing number of rocks melt out in the runouts below steep terrain.

Before climbing or descending a slope you should assess what you may encounter if you take a long sliding or tumbling fall. Realize that all "summer hiking trails" are still deeply buried and go through some very hazardous terrain. This includes the Tuckerman Ravine Trail through the ravine and the Lion Head Summer Trail. We will be opening the Lion Head Summer Trail tomorrow morning. This trail has a section that traverses a steep exposed snow slope; we recommend an ice axe and crampons to safely travel across this section. The upper section of the John Sherburne Ski Trail is open with a few bare sections that require walking. A rope and signs mark the end of the skiable trail. At this point, you'll need to walk across to the Tuckerman Ravine Trail and hike to Pinkham. Skiing and riding are NOT PERMITTED on the hiking trail due to a history of accidents between skiers and hikers.

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 caretakers at Hermit Lake, or the AMC at Pinkham Notch Visitor Center. This advisory will expire at midnight.

Jeff Lane, Snow Ranger USDA Forest Service White Mountain National Forest

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