Date: Monday, March 18, 2002
Time: 9:04 a.m.
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.
The summit received no new precipatation over the
last 24 hours. However, 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) are
forecasted for later today into the early morning
hours. Expect this to increase the potential for
avalanche danger late in the day into tomorrow.
Moisture is expected with a flow from the south
so keep an eye out for cross loading of areas not
usually loaded with our prevailing western winds.
So check the avalanche bulletin in the morning before
heading out. The surface should continue to be very
slick so be prepared with crampons, an ice axe,
and mountaineering skill. A slip and fall on a slick
slope could produce grave consequences as rocks
are in most runout areas. Climbers, hikers, skiers,
and riders need to be prepared to use their mountaineering
skills and have all the right equipment.
We had a couple close calls with dogs and one serious
ski edge injury Sunday afternoon. As spring approaches
the Ravine will see more and more of our canine
friends. Realize this can be a very dangerous place
for your dog and be responsible for their safety.
We seem to be heading into spring quickly so start
watching for the usual warm weather hazards. One
example, but not limited to, is the Little Headwall
which has begun undermining.
ICE DAMS produced some close calls for climbers
over the weekend, this should be one of the primary
hazards for ice climbers in the Ravines. Be cautious
for hydrolic pressure and ice dams in commonly found
areas such as over the top of bulges and steep columns.
THE LION'S HEAD WINTER ROUTE IS OPEN. However it
is deteriorating quickly due to poor snow coverage
and warm weather. Please stay on route to minimize
climber impacts to the area. This is critical to
keeping the trail open and protecting the resource.
Consider it good practice to move slow and thoughtfully
with crampons on rock. This is a difficult steep
route so crampons, ice axe, and mountaineering skills
are an absolute necessity.
The ski trail has full coverage but is quite thin,
and watch for ice flows, emerging rocks, and changing
conditions.
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.
Christopher Joosen, Snow Ranger
USDA Forest Service
White Mountain National Forest
(603) 466-2713 TTY (603) 466-2856