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USFS Avalanche Bulletin
1:59 p.m., Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Nice job! Glad to see that you are getting into the mindset of winter before winter has had a chance to settle in. Granted, we did have a shot of cold in October that allowed some folks to scratch their way up some ice climbs but that episode came and went. Colder temperatures are beginning to become the norm and passing snow showers are leaving the mountain looking like winter. It is a good time of year to think about all of the adventures you will have in the mountains and how you are going to do an exceptional job at staying warm, on route, on top of the snow, back on time and have enough energy for one more lap on the Sherburne. As you plan your epic adventures, don't forget to put in some new high quality batteries in your avalanche beacon so it is ready to go. When was the last time you actually practiced with it anyway? It is probably a good time to do that. Don't just close your eyes while your dog moves it to another part of the room. Challenge yourself. Hide several beacons so you learn how your beacon will react to a difficult scenario. Do it with headphones on blasting loud music to distract you. Try it in the dark with dying batteries in your headlamp. Cover up the screen so you can't see what it is telling you. Get creative so you don't choke if you ever need to actually use it. You should also check your probe and make sure it is in good working order along with your shovel. It is also a good time of year to sign up for an avalanche course before they fill up. We posted all of the avalanche courses offered around the Mt. Washington Valley this winter on our website under the "Avalanche Safety" tab. We are looking forward to another season on the mountain. Remember that we are there for you so don't hesitate to find us and ask questions. You'll be hearing more from us once the snow begins to pile up. Brian, Justin, Jeff and Chris.
PLEASE REMEMBER:
• It is impossible to accurately predict natural events, such as avalanches, in every instance. This Advisory is one tool to help you make your own decisions in avalanche terrain. It should be used along with safe travel techniques, snow stability assessments, an understanding of weather's effect on the snowpack, and proficiency in avalanche rescue.
• You should obtain the latest weather forecast before heading into the mountains. Anticipate a changing avalanche danger when actual weather differs from the higher summits forecast.
• For more information, contact the U.S. Forest Service Snow Rangers or the AMC at the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center or Hermit Lake Shelters.
Brian Johnston, Snow Ranger• It is impossible to accurately predict natural events, such as avalanches, in every instance. This Advisory is one tool to help you make your own decisions in avalanche terrain. It should be used along with safe travel techniques, snow stability assessments, an understanding of weather's effect on the snowpack, and proficiency in avalanche rescue.
• You should obtain the latest weather forecast before heading into the mountains. Anticipate a changing avalanche danger when actual weather differs from the higher summits forecast.
• For more information, contact the U.S. Forest Service Snow Rangers or the AMC at the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center or Hermit Lake Shelters.
USDA Forest Service
White Mountain National Forest
(603) 466-2713 TTY (603) 466-2856
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U.S. AVALANCHE DANGER SCALE
LOW: Natural avalanches very unlikely. Human triggered avalanches unlikely. Generally stable snow. Isolated areas of instability. Travel is generally safe. Normal caution advised.
MODERATE: Natural avalanches unlikely. Human triggered avalanches possible.. Unstable slabs possible on steep terrain. Use caution in steeper terrain on certain aspects (defined in accompanying statement).
CONSIDERABLE: Natural avalanches possible. Human triggered avalanches probable. Unstable slabs probable on steep terrain. Be increasingly cautious in steeper terrain.
HIGH: Natural and human triggered avalanches likely. Unstable slabs likely on a variety of aspects and slope angles. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended. Safest travel on windward ridges of lower angle slopes without steeper terrain above.
EXTREME: Widespread natural or human triggered avalanches certain. Extremely unstable slabs certain on most aspects and slope angles. Large destructive avalanches possible. Travel in avalanche terrain should be avoided and travel confined to low angle terrain well away from avalanche path run-outs.
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