Tuckerman Ravine has LOW 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.

	WARNING ICE FALL DANGER MASSIVE BLOCKS OF ICE THE SIZE OF AUTOMOBILES TRAVEL AT HIGH SPEEDS, HIT ROCKS, AND SEND DEADLY SHRAPNEL IN ALL DIRECTIONS ——————————— BE ALERT - BE AWARE BE ICE SMART   WHITE MOUNTAIN National Forest

Yesterday's nightfall was accompanied by a drop below freezing at the summit. The moisture rich air exited the area quicker than forecasted and we ended up with temperatures rising through the day before peaking at 44F (7C). These temps were quite a bit warmer than expected and winds never reached their forecasted top speeds. While the valley skies cleared out by midday the summit remained under, and at times, in the clouds. Summit temperatures are now back on the rise and we should see them bump above freezing as the day goes on. Currently a band of the mountain's warmest air sits at the the elevation of the ravine floor and should help soften the surface. Cloud cover will be variable with the best clearing and solar gain expected in the middle of the day before clouds lower and thicken in the afternoon hours. Winds will drop off by midday after they complete their wrap from the NW around to the ENE. All in all it seems like it should be a fairly nice day, then again yesterday was supposed to be pretty miserable and it ended up quite nice! Sweet New England will always keep us on our toes.

ICEFALL remains the biggest concern for folks visiting Tuckerman Ravine. Today's sun and decreasing winds will increase the likelihood of icefall. Large blocks of ice are hanging seemingly unsupported high on the ravine walls. These can be found primarily in the Headwall and Sluice, but ice exists in other locations as well. Always be aware of what is above you and have a plan in mind for what you will do if icefall occurs. Realize that the Lunch Rocks are directly in the path of icefall from the Sluice and we recommend you find a less exposed place to eat lunch or change into your boots.

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.

CREVASSES exist in many areas, particularly the Lip, Headwall, and high in the Bowl. 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.

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 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. For this reason, the Lion Head Winter Route remains open; the Summer Trail will remain closed until the snowpack melts more.

The top half of the John Sherburne Ski Trail is open with many bare sections. 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:
 
• 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 National Weather Service forecast.
 
• 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.

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

	TUCKERMAN RAVINE
	Hillman's Highway
	Lower Snowfields
	Little Headwall
	The Bowl
	Headwall
	The Lip
	Left Gully
	Right Gully

	HUNTINGTON RAVINE
	Escape Hatch
	South Gully
	Odell's Gully
	Pinnacle Gully
	Central Gully
	Yale Gully
	Damnation Gully
	North Gully