Huntington Ravine

Snow surfaces were firm and no loose snow or potential avalanche problems were observed.  Low winds, solar, and warming temperatures did soften surfaces slightly to make them just edgable, but still presented a surface where a fall could be difficult to self-arrest if you did not have the tools or skills. 

Small cracks were observed in the snow in Odell's and don't currently present a hazard, but are a reminder of undermined snow. We did not observe falling ice in Odell's, but saw a few large chunks that had previously fallen. 

Outside of the snowfields, snow in the alpine has mostly melted, exposing rocks and the fragile alpine vegetation. While it may be tempting to take direct routes to various trails or ravines, to best preserve the vegetation traveling on durable surfaces like rocks or trails whenever possible.

The Lip in Tuckerman Ravine was observed to have larger cracks and holes around it due to warming, rain, and fog eating away at the snowpack. 

Summer Lion Head Trail Traverse is still a steep, firm, snow-covered slope with the potential for huge consequences if you were to take a fall. There is not yet a trench worn in from high traffic across the slope and due to firm conditions Wednesday we used crampons, two ice tools, and front pointed across sections of the slope (a first for both of us on Summer).