Avalanche Advisory for Tuckerman and Huntington Ravines
Posted: 7:55 a.m., Saturday, April 11, 2009

Tuckerman and Huntington Ravines have LOW avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are very unlikely 
and human triggered avalanches are unlikely except in isolated pockets. Normal caution is advised.

Seventy five years ago today the Mount Washington Observatory measured the famous world record 
231mph (372kph) wind gust. It's hard to even imagine what it must be like to witness an event like 
that. Visitors today won't experience anything near as fast as the wind on that record setting 
day, unless you count the speed of an uncontrolled sliding fall in steep icy terrain. In my 
opinion, long falls are public enemy number one today, outshining all other mountain hazards in 
their capacity to quickly ruin your day. Sadly, the weather today isn't looking very favorable for 
spring ski conditions. Summit temperatures will be falling into the upper teens F (-9 to -7C), 
winds will be on the increase to 25-40mph (40-65kph), and the clouds should keep the sunlight 
from warming the snowpack much. I would expect most of the snowpack to remain frozen for the better 
part of the day. The best chance we have for softening is if the clouds hold off long enough to 
let the sun shine through and winds stay at the low end of their forecasted range. You can help 
stack the odds in your favor by playing the terrain correctly. South-facing slopes have the best 
chance of absorbing solar energy and softening up. Pay attention though; if clouds roll over or 
shadows creep in over previously soft snow, it won't be long before the slope begins to crust up. 
In the absence of soft snow, you'd be wise to venture into steep terrain with a healthy dose of 
caution, sharp edges on the skis or board for the descent, and an ice axe to stop yourself if you 
happen to slip. Tomorrow looks to sunnier, albeit cooler and windier, so it looks like we'll have 
yet another day of being on the cusp of favorable conditions before a long stretch of warmer and 
sunnier weather arrives just in time for the midweek.

Tumbling to the floor of the ravine today isn't the only hazard to pay attention to. Annual 
springtime hazards such as undermined snow, icefall, and crevasses are now also an issue. Be aware 
of your surroundings and take the time to identify potential hazards. The Little Headwall is now 
impassable due to open water. There are ways to ski out of the Bowl but they can be tricky and 
often the skiing is less than ideal. Either walk down from the Ravine to Hermit Lake on the trail 
or expect some route finding adventures while traveling on an undermined snowpack.

The John Sherburne Ski Trail is still open to the bottom but there are bare sections, especially 
down low. The Lion Head Winter Route is still open as well.

The Harvard Cabin is closed for the season. Hard copies of the avalanche advisory are no longer 
posted here; however, they will be posted at Pinkham Notch Visitor Center and Hermit Lake Shelters. 
Please plan accordingly.

Please Remember:

•   	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.
 
•   	You should obtain the latest weather forecast before heading into the mountains. Anticipate 
		a changing avalanche danger when actual weather differs from the higher summits forecast.
 
•   	For more information, contact the U.S. Forest Service Snow Rangers, the AMC at the Pinkham 
		Notch Visitor Center or Hermit Lake Shelters. This advisory will expire at midnight.

Jeff Lane, Snow Ranger
USDA Forest Service
White Mountain National Forest
(603) 466-2713 TTY (603) 466-2856