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USFS Avalanche Bulletin

10:56 a.m., Saturday, November 8, 2008

Reading this indicates that you are anxious for winter. So are we. Warm weather and rain have set early November conditions back to bare ground and a virtually ice free mountain. Don't worry, things have a habit of turning around quickly on Mt. Washington. As ice reforms and snow accumulates on the mountain we encourage you to remember some basic facts of life in the early season. As temperatures fluctuate ice fall will occur in the ravines until we get into a long spell of below freezing temperatures. As snow patches develop over ice there will be the potential for small avalanches. Remember that even these isolated pockets can slide under the right conditions and have severe consequences if you are knocked off your feet. Always be thinking of snow stability when you are exploring the Ravines this time of year, even when it seems like there isn't enough snow to worry about. We will be watching snowfall carefully and issuing our first General Advisory when conditions warrant.

While you are waiting for the snow and ice, take some time to review your avalanche skills, practice with your beacon and sign up for an avalanche course. We recently posted this season's avalanche courses on our website, tuckerman.org.

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. See you out there soon!

JEFF, JUSTIN, BRIAN, 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 National Weather Service forecast.
 
• For more information, contact the U.S. Forest Service Snow Rangers or the AMC at Pinkham Notch Visitor Center or Hermit Lake Shelters. The next posting will be issued when conditions warrant.

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

Avalanche Advisory Archives

TUCKERMAN RAVINE
 Hillman's Highway 
    NOT POSTED
 Lower Snowfields 
  NOT POSTED
 Little Headwall 
  NOT POSTED
 The Bowl 
NOT POSTED
 Headwall 
   NOT POSTED
 The Lip 
  NOT POSTED
 Left Gully 
       NOT POSTED
 Right Gully 
     NOT POSTED

HUNTINGTON RAVINE
 Escape Hatch 
   NOT POSTED
 South Gully 
NOT POSTED
 Odell's Gully 
    NOT POSTED
 Pinnacle Gully 
  NOT POSTED
 Central Gully 
    NOT POSTED
 Yale Gully 
     NOT POSTED
 Damnation Gully 
     NOT POSTED
 North Gully 
    NOT POSTED

 

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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