TUCKERMAN AND HUNTINGTON RAVINES HAVE LOW 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. There is generally stable snow, but these pockets do exist so pay attention as you move through avalanche terrain. Normal caution is advised.

1 to 3 inches (2.5-7.5 cm)of new snow are forecasted for today with a total of 3 to 6 inches (7.5-15 cm) possible by late tonight. So be prepared for an increasing avalanche danger through the day. It is quite possible to move up a rating or more if precipatation comes in quicker than expected, particularly on southern facing aspects.

The light snow began early this morning with winds out of the West. Currently winds are out of the South and should continue to wrap around counter clockwise. They should hold out of the NE for a majority of the snowfall and remain light to moderate in speed. As high pressure moves in after the precipatation, bringing cold temperatures, be prepared for winds to shift and increase. This should continue new loading through the day tomorrow.

The North or right side of Tuckerman Ravine has more instability than the southern side though still staying within the Low rating. Because of the strong lee nature and our prevailing winds, areas under the Lip, Sluice, and Right gully may have pockets of softer hard slab than the southern side of the ravine. In addition, unconsolidated snow can be found under a thin slab and surface crust in some southern facing pockets. Although the tensile strength of the crust is still holding the slab together the shear strength of the unconsolidated facets is weak. I think it would take a considerable force to release these pockets, but an aggressive skier or rider may find the right sweet spot to trigger this weakness. A small sluff or new slab avalanche in these areas could also step down and rip out this layer so keep that in mind as new snow comes in today. Areas under the Sluice and left of center have wind pack dominating the snowpack. Also be aware that an ice crust is interspersed through some areas of the bowl and with the current flat lighting may be hard to ascertain.

With the warm weather last week followed by cold temperatures you should anticipate ice dams. Water running from ice tool placements have been reported in numerous locations so be cautious for hydrolic pressure in commonly found areas such as over the top of bulges and steep columns.

THE LION'S HEAD WINTER ROUTE IS OPEN. Follow the orange Lion Head signs off of the Tuckerman Ravine trail about 1.75 miles up from Pinkham. This is a difficult steep route so crampons, ice axe, and mountaineering skills are essential.

Coverage on the John Sherburne ski trail is fairly good, but we did loose some snow with yesterday's warm weather. Expect condtions to be a bit firm as the entire trail went above freezing on Saturday.

 
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.

 
Brad Ray, 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

 
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