USFS Avalanche Bulletin

8:33 a.m., Tuesday, May 13, 2008

A "GENERAL ADVISORY" is currently in effect for Huntington Ravine. We have finished issuing avalanche advisories using the U.S. 5-scale danger rating system for the remainder of the season. You will need to do your own snow stability assessments when using avalanche terrain in Huntington Ravine. A danger of falling ice exists and will persist until it all comes down.

We've had nothing but Low avalanche danger for some time now, and I'm beginning to wonder if we'll see another snowflake before October. Personally, I'm still hoping for a late May dumping of new snow, but the way things are going that might be overly optimistic. Another bluebird day is in store for today. Summit temperatures will be around 40F (4.5C) with gusty winds diminishing as the day progresses. If you're coming up today, expect to find top to bottom coverage in both Hillman's and Left Gully. These are the two runs we recommend not only for their length and quality but they also have less exposure to the objective hazards that can be found elsewhere on the mountain. These hazards include icefall, crevasses, and undermined snow.

ICEFALL is a significant hazard in Tuckerman Ravine. Large chunks still remain above Lunch Rocks in the Sluice and in the center Headwall, though no area is completely immune to icefall. A number of people had close encounters with icefall recently. Remember, always be aware of what is above you and have a plan in mind for what you will do if icefall occurs.

CREVASSES exist in many areas and rival icefall as the primary concern for visitors. Although the Lip, Headwall, and upper Bowl have the greatest concentration of crevasses most other areas have begun developing fissures as well. These may be very difficult to see from above so remember to always climb up what you plan on descending to allow you to assess the hazards at a more leisurely pace.

TRAVELING THROUGH THE LIP AREA, INCLUDING THE TUCKERMAN RAVINE TRAIL FROM LUNCH ROCKS TO THE TOP OF THE RAVINE, IS NOT RECOMMENDED. The hazards in this area include deep crevasses directly in the fall line, undermined snow near the waterfall, and icefall potential on both sides. Better lines can be found elsewhere with less exposure to these objective hazards. The summer hiking trail is deeply buried under snow. The section of trail from Lunch Rocks to the Alpine Garden is closed annually as crevasses close in and prevent travel through the Lip. We are not quite at that point, though this closure is expected to occur soon.

Be on the lookout for undermined and collapsing snow in and around water channels. Skiing and riding down the Little Headwall is no longer an option. Walk down the Tuckerman Ravine Trail from the floor of the ravine to get back to Hermit Lake. The upper section of the John Sherburne Ski Trail is open with a few bare sections that require walking. A rope and signs mark the end of the skiable trail. At this point, you'll need to walk across to the Tuckerman Ravine Trail and hike to Pinkham. Skiing and riding are not permitted on the hiking trail due to a history of accidents between skiers and hikers.

The Lion Head Summer Trail is now open. Just above treeline this trail traverses a steep snow-covered slope. A slip here has the potential to result in a long sliding fall. We recommend bringing an ice axe and crampons for safe travel through this section.

Jeff Lane, Snow Ranger
USDA Forest Service
White Mountain National Forest
(603) 466-2713 TTY (603) 466-2856

Avalanche Advisory Archives

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