Winter is back in the mountains! We have been waiting for this day since writing our last bulletin of the season last spring. So, hope for a good winter with lots low density fluffy snow and be prepared and well practiced in snow stability assessment, travel in avalanche terrain, and avalanche rescue.

This is an early season GENERAL ADVISORY. Use of the 5 scale avalanche rating system will begin when conditions warrant. Until then new advisories will be issued as needed. Check tuckerman.org frequently as

	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

we move into November and certainly check for the latest avalanche advisory before heading into avalanche terrain.

We received about 14 inches at Hermit Lake over the 10/26-10/27 weekend which has put us at about 60% above normal for October. This precipatation along with winds from the SW, W and NW have loaded eastern facing aspects generating small snowfields in some of the traditional early locations. Left Gully, the Chute, high on the north or right side of Tuckerman, and up on the E and NE side of the summit cone are some examples of where these pockets begin growing. These snowfields as well as exposed ice are the most likely areas for possible avalanche activity during the next series of weather makers. Ice develops rapidly each fall in both Ravines and often act as an excellent sliding layer for avalanches to occur in small pockets that may appear innocuous.

Be aware that a small slab or sluff can be very dangerous. This is particularly true in the steep gullies and slopes of Tuckerman and Huntington Ravines for early season ice climbers. As a climber picks their way through a route they will usually cross small pockets of snow. Often this snow has deposited over blue ice, making for a poor bond at the interface. Consider this ahead of time and place protection before crossing suspect slopes. It doesn't take much snow to knock you off your feet and depending how high you are this could be a considerable problem.

Be aware of falling ice if we get into thaw periods before the real deep winter freeze. Many folks have been injured and killed by falling ice so pay attention to where you are, and don't linger when under ice. Have a plan in mind about what you will do and where you will go if ice comes down. Station yourself near a large rock to duck behind in the event of ice fall. Be ice smart.

We are absolutely in early winter in the high mountains so don't plan on being able to follow summer trails safely. Trails going through Ravines and Gulfs are buried with snow in most areas and require winter gear, i.e. winter clothes, ice axe, crampons, avalanche beacons, shovels, and probes.

So, winter is here! Don't wait any longer to refresh your avalanche skills. Pull out your beacon and practice, ONLY YOU CAN SAVE YOUR BUDDY!! Review your safe travel rules, techniques for assessing snow stability, and sign up for an avalanche course. We will have all the avalanche courses offered in the valley this winter on our website, tuckerman.org very soon.

Thanks in advance to all the groups that will once again be helping 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 avalanche bulletin will be updated as needed.

 
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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