Moisture-drenched Tuckerman Ravine poses dangers to visitors

Avalanches, other typical spring hazards arrived later this year

White Mountain National Forest reminds visitors to Tuckerman Ravine that some runs are safer than others for skiers trying to enjoy the last of the heavy winter snows.Recent warming temperatures and spring rain have created special hazards to watch out for while visiting the ravines.Falling into one of the deep crevasses in Tuckerman Ravine would be quite dire with a happy outcome being very unlikely, says U.S. Forest Service Snow Ranger Chris Joosen in a recent avalanche advisory for Huntington and Tuckerman ravines on Mount Washington.Due to the above-normal late-season winter snowfall, late May snow depths in the ravine and the eastern snowfields on the upper cone of Mount Washington, are also deeper than average, the Forest Service reported. Because of this the typical spring hazards arrived later than in recent past years.Crevasses, icefall, undermining and avalanche hazards will persist beyond the "normal" period and through June, the Forest Service reported."Generally speaking, the southern side of the ravine has fewer hazards than the north. Left Gully and the part of the Bowl under the Chute offer the longest runs with less crevasse, undermining, and icefall hazard than other locations," Joosen stated May 15. "The Bowl has definitely lost a lot of snow which has caused numerous hazards to become prominent, but it is mid-May and top-to-bottom runs are still available in some areas. If you plan on coming up to Tuckerman Ravine you should know about the hazards you may encounter: crevasses, open holes, undermining, obstructed run outs, and icefall."Crevasses and undermining have become worse with warm temperatures so visitors need to constantly assess the hazards you may encounter in any given area. Some crevasses are quite large and have grown on a daily basis."The Lip" area has some of the most dangerous openings in the snowpack, including a deep crevasse extending out from the main waterfall hole, the Forest Service reported. Due to the magnitude of these hazards, the Lip and Headwall harbor some of the most extensive dangers in Tuckerman Ravine. "No-fall skiing" defines these areas well, and they are not as recommended as other locations that are considerably less dangerous, according to the Forest Service.Visitors should remember that crevasses and undermining are growing in many places around the forecast area. It is always advised that visitors hike up their planned route for skiing or riding down to assess any surface hazards and plan accordingly. Always think about what is below you in case you fall, the Forest Service advised. The run-outs of popular routes are getting narrower and shorter, and rocks are melting out in many locations.Rain and warm temperatures through the week will increase the potential for icefall to occur, the Forest Service warned. Ice may fall from many areas, but the Headwall and Sluice are the most suspect. Currently the ice in the Sluice has the largest sections with the most destructive power at risk ofdetaching and tumbling down to the ravine floor.Visitors should realize that the Lunch Rocks are in the fall line of icefall from the Sluice and some of the Headwall. Once ice hits the rocks it will break apart and send ice "shrapnel" in many directions. Avoid standing under large chunks of ice and have a plan in mind if icefall does occur, the Forest Service advised. Many people have been hurt or killed by falling ice on Mount Washington.Snow rangers have placed a "General Advisory" for Huntington Ravine for the remainder of the season. Climbers should assess the stability when using avalanche terrain in Huntington Ravine, and be aware that the danger of falling ice will increase with spring warm up and persist until all ice comes down.The Tuckerman Ravine Trail is buried under 30 feet of snow and goes through the Lip area. It is currently not recommended for general foot traffic. Mid-May was still winter mountaineering season on Mount Washington. Visitors should plan on needing crampons and an ice ax to travel safely and securely. This section of the tail from Lunch Rocks, through "the Lip" to the intersection with the Alpine Garden trail closed as of the May 21 weekend. This portion of the trail closes annually due to the vast magnitude of hazards that exist to summer equipped hikers. It will reopen once complete melt out has occurred.The John Sherburne ski trail is now closed. The Forest Service asks that everyone help protect this trail by avoiding it altogether this time of year. Foot traffic will cause erosion while the trail is still wet and muddy. Walk, do not ski, down the Tuckerman Ravine Trail to Pinkham Notch.The Lion Head Summer trail is now open. Some steep snowfield traverses exist near treeline. These could be areas of potential avalanches if we receive late-season snow. Climbers will need to assess the stability before crossing these slopes. Ice axes and crampons are required to safely traverse this area.Visitors who participate in an annual early season high elevation hike expect and be prepared for more snow than in the past.Check the latest Avalanche Advisory before a hike to Tuckerman Ravine. Contact the Forest Service at (603) 466-2713 or visit www.tuckerman.org for information. Since conditions are changing so rapidly, once in the ravine, seek out the Snow Rangers, Mount Washington Volunteer Ski Patrol, or Appalachian Mountain Club caretakers for the day's particular hazards and safety advice.