TUCKERMAN RAVINE HAS CONSIDERABLE AND MODERATE AVALANCHE DANGER. Hillmans, the Lower Snowfields, the Little Headwall, Left Gully, and Right Gully have Moderate avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are unlikely and human triggered avalanches are possible. Use caution in stepper terrain. All other areas have Considerable avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are possible and human triggered avalanches are probable. Be increasingly cautious in steeper terrain.

HUNTINGTON RAVINE HAS CONSIDERABLE AVALANCHE DANGER. Natural avalanches are possible and human triggered avalanches are probable. Be increasingly cautious in steeper terrain.

The summit received 5 inches (13 cms) of new snow and we picked up 10 inches (25 cms) here at Hermit Lake. So those of you that have bets that winter has ended you should get ready to make your payouts, even if it's just a cup of coffee. Precipatation began yesterday around midday with winds out of the South. The dominant snow period saw winds from the S and SW around 40-45 mph (65-72 kph). This loaded Northerly aspects. Very late last night winds began to shift through the W to NW, where it currently sits. So at least some loading occured on all aspects in the Ravines. Evidence of avalanche activity was seen in the Lower Snowfields and the Bowl. I was a bit suprised to see some areas as wind affected as they were, as well as seeing the old ice crust in places. Winds should increase later as a cold front approaches sending us back into winter temperatures for this first week of Spring. As this occurs expect snow to be picked up from above treeline and redeposited in avalanche start zones in the Ravines. Also watch for snow showers to bring in additional accumilation as well.

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 you need to be responsible for their safety.

THE LION'S HEAD WINTER ROUTE IS OPEN. However it is deteriorating quickly due to poor snow coverage and warm weather. This new snow should help, but 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 new powder snow covering a very hard and often icy base. There may be ice flows and rocks hiding under the powder. As skiers and riders begin scrapping off the last 2 days of snow use extra caution for these hidden hazards.

 
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

	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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