RR
02-26-2010, 08:54 AM
Saw this:
Avalanche Advisory for Tuckerman and Huntington Ravines
Posted: 8:09 a.m., Thursday, February 25, 2010
Tuckerman and Huntington Ravines have HIGH avalanche danger today. Natural and human triggered avalanches are likely. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended. The only exception to this rating is the Little Headwall in Tuckerman which has MODERATE avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are unlikely and human triggered avalanches are possible. Use caution in steep terrain.
Storm #1 is winding down but its big brother is knocking on our doorstep. Storm #2 should start dumping more snow in the mountains later this morning with periods of high intensity. Yesterday brought 11.4" (29 cm) of new snow to Hermit Lake and 9.3" (23.5 cm) to the Harvard Cabin snow plot. Densities are weighing in at 12.4% and 14% respectively and there is a noticeable slab layer on the surface at Hermit Lake. Both locations have lighter density snow at the bottom and heavier snow on top forming what we call and upside down snowpack. Winds have been out of the ESE and E which furthered slab development, especially on north facing aspects. Clouds are obscuring most of our views today so I can't determine the extent of recent avalanche activity. I think that Hillman's and/or Dodge's Drop avalanched and we know that two climber's were avalanched out of Pinnacle Gully yesterday. They had the opportunity to talk to Chris at length about the avalanche danger prior to heading into the Ravine. Luckily they made it out without significant injuries. For today there is plenty of bulls-eye data that should make the decision to stay out of avalanche terrain easy. In addition to what has already occurred, the second storm is expected to start dumping snow in the mountains this morning with over 12" (30 cm) accumulating today and tonight. ESE winds will increase to 55 to 75 mph (88 to 120 kph) with higher gusts. These winds will create new unstable slabs, especially on the south side of the Ravines. Warm air will change snow to mixed precipitation this afternoon resulting in another upside down snowpack on every aspect. All of these variables make me expect natural avalanches to occur in many forecast areas today. Accumulating snow is forecasted to continue into the weekend keeping the potential for natural avalanche activity. The Lion Head Winter Route is open. It is a steep route and an ice axe and crampons are recommended for safe travel. The John Sherburne Ski Trail is much happier with new snow.
Avalanche Advisory for Tuckerman and Huntington Ravines
Posted: 8:09 a.m., Thursday, February 25, 2010
Tuckerman and Huntington Ravines have HIGH avalanche danger today. Natural and human triggered avalanches are likely. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended. The only exception to this rating is the Little Headwall in Tuckerman which has MODERATE avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are unlikely and human triggered avalanches are possible. Use caution in steep terrain.
Storm #1 is winding down but its big brother is knocking on our doorstep. Storm #2 should start dumping more snow in the mountains later this morning with periods of high intensity. Yesterday brought 11.4" (29 cm) of new snow to Hermit Lake and 9.3" (23.5 cm) to the Harvard Cabin snow plot. Densities are weighing in at 12.4% and 14% respectively and there is a noticeable slab layer on the surface at Hermit Lake. Both locations have lighter density snow at the bottom and heavier snow on top forming what we call and upside down snowpack. Winds have been out of the ESE and E which furthered slab development, especially on north facing aspects. Clouds are obscuring most of our views today so I can't determine the extent of recent avalanche activity. I think that Hillman's and/or Dodge's Drop avalanched and we know that two climber's were avalanched out of Pinnacle Gully yesterday. They had the opportunity to talk to Chris at length about the avalanche danger prior to heading into the Ravine. Luckily they made it out without significant injuries. For today there is plenty of bulls-eye data that should make the decision to stay out of avalanche terrain easy. In addition to what has already occurred, the second storm is expected to start dumping snow in the mountains this morning with over 12" (30 cm) accumulating today and tonight. ESE winds will increase to 55 to 75 mph (88 to 120 kph) with higher gusts. These winds will create new unstable slabs, especially on the south side of the Ravines. Warm air will change snow to mixed precipitation this afternoon resulting in another upside down snowpack on every aspect. All of these variables make me expect natural avalanches to occur in many forecast areas today. Accumulating snow is forecasted to continue into the weekend keeping the potential for natural avalanche activity. The Lion Head Winter Route is open. It is a steep route and an ice axe and crampons are recommended for safe travel. The John Sherburne Ski Trail is much happier with new snow.