THIS IS THE LAST BULLETIN FOR THE SEASON. HOWEVER, CERTAIN HAZARDS WILL PERSIST UNTIL MELTOUT SO PLEASE READ THIS FINAL BULLETIN BEFORE HEADING INTO THE RAVINES OR TO THE SUMMIT OF MT. WASHINGTON. WE HAVE BEEN FORECASTING FOR ALMOST SEVEN MONTHS AND HAVE HAD FUN DOING SO EVERYDAY. WE'VE ENJOYED SEEING ALL OF YOU IN THE MOUNTAINS AND LOOK FORWARD TO NEXT WINTER.

The 5 scale (low thru extreme) danger system will be reinstated next season when needed. Until then, this GENERAL ADVISORY will stand

	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

for the rest of the season. We have quite a bit of snow coverage left, which has settled out, been skier compacted, and is going thru the late season melt freeze process. However, the numerous large snowfields may make for a good sliding surface for late season snow. A June or early July snow storm is not an unheard of occurance on Mt. Washington. So be prepared for the possibility for new snow instability if this occurs. Also watch for sustained warm weather and/or heavy rain potentially blowing out running water from beneath the snow. This has caused wet slush avalanches in Tuckerman and Huntington Ravines in the past. YOU WILL NEED TO PUT YOUR AVALANCHE SKILLS TO WORK FOR THESE LATE SEASON HAZARDS. BE PREPARED TO DO YOUR OWN SNOW STABILITY ASSESSMENTS IF ENTERING AVALANCHE TERRAIN ON MT. WASHINGTON.

THE TUCKERMAN RAVINE TRAIL THRU THE RAVINE, FROM LUNCH ROCKS TO THE JCT. WITH THE ALPINE GARDEN TRAIL, IS CLOSED TO ALL USE BECAUSE OF CREVASSES AND UNDERMINED SNOW. THIS ALSO APPLIES TO THE LIP. ANY FALL ON THIS SECTION WILL LIKELY END IN THE ROCKS OR IN A CREVASSE. Lion Head Summer trail is one example of an alternate route.

BE AWARE OF FALLING ICE! Each year over 1000 tons of ice forms on the Headwall in Tuckerman Ravine and the gullies of Huntington Ravine. In the spring it all comes down, often in pieces larger than cars. Many folks have been injured and even killed by falling ice. Pay attention to where you are, do not linger under ice. Have a plan in mind about what you will do if ice comes down. Station yourself near a large rock to duck behind in the event of ice fall. BE ICE SMART!

CREVASSES AND UNDERMINED SNOW appear as the snow pack slowly creeps downhill and separates from the ledges on the Headwall. These openings vary from a few inches to 80 feet (24m) deep, and includes the many waterfalls on the Headwall. Skiers and climbers need to pay attention to what is below at all times and constantly evaluate the potential outcome of a fall or slide. This is especially true when the visibility is poor. Many people have been seriously injured, and some killed, falling into these crevasses. As the water runs and melts out the snow from beneath, undermining will continue to occur collapsing the snow above. Be extremely cautious in these areas.

The runout zones for all the ski runs in Tuckerman Ravine will continue to rapidly disappear. The rate of melt will be completely dependent upon weather, but plan on conditions to deterioate daily. Due to this, remember to ski in control and be aware of the consequences of a fall. An uncontrolled slide into rocks and bushes could result in serious injury or worse. This is especially true during times of limited visibity when heavy fog has settled on the mountain. You won't see rocks coming if you ski too fast or out of control. So climb up what you plan on skiing to see the hazards.

THE LION HEAD SUMMER TRAIL IS OPEN. But, realize the summer trail still has large steep snow traverses. A fall here may generate serious injuries or worse. Study good boots and an ice axe could come in handy.

THE JOHN SHERBURNE SKI TRAIL IS CLOSED TO ALL USE. Please use the Tuckerman Ravine trail for hiking between Pinkham and Hermit Lake to prevent erosion to the ski trail.

We thank all the groups that helped us make it through the season successfully. We couldn't do the job without the many volunteer hours carrying hurt people down the mountain and the financial support helping us upgrade rescue capabilities. We sincerely appreciate all your help.

 
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 is the last bulletin of the 2001-2002 season.

 
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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