Officials with the Mount Washington Avalanche Center are warning people that the mountain currently has dangerous avalanche conditions in Tuckerman and Huntington Ravines.
According to an advisory issued by the center this morning, both ravines have considerable danger for avalanches.
All areas of Tuckerman Ravine are reported to have considerable avalanche danger. Huntington Ravine has considerable avalanche danger in the areas of Yale, Central, Pinnacle, Odell, South and Escape Hatch. Huntington’s North and Damnation Gullies have moderate avalanche danger.
According to the advisory, an increase in wind speed and a shift in wind direction will keep avalanche danger elevated throughout the day. Recent snowfall is expected to be carried by northwest winds and build wind slabs in many areas. Natural wind slab avalanches are possible in bigger terrain such as the Lip, Center Bowl, Chute and Hillman’s Highway in Tuckerman Ravine and Central Gully in Huntington. Dry loose avalanches are likely in the steepest areas of both ravines and will contribute to the likelihood of human triggered avalanches on the approach to steep pitches of ice or rock. Wind slabs should become firm and stubborn with anticipated wind speeds but not before becoming unstable as they build.
Anyone venturing into avalanche territory is encouraged to stay on low angle terrain, avoid runouts and travel one at a time while making careful snowpack assessments. With little low angle terrain existing in these avalanche forecast zones, center officials suggest people seek out lower elevation and terrain that is less effected by the wind until conditions improve.