Tuckerman Ravine

We traveled on skis into Tuckerman Ravine to evaluate recent  wind slab development. Over the past two days, the area received around 5 inches of new snow aloing with  northwest to north-northwest winds. Summit winds were recorded at 37–40 mph during our tour, and we experienced similarly strong winds within the ravine. Temperatures were in the single digits under obscured skies, with the air full of blowing snow, likely due to  upslope snow showers affecting the west side of the mountain.

Due to poor visibility, we limited our travel to the right side (south-facing wall) of the ravine, traversing west at around 4,500 ft. Drifted snow distribution was variable and terrain-dependent: small ridgelines, tree islands, and north–south gullies created "snow-fence” effects, producing deeper drifts on leeward features. We found drifts ranging from knee to thigh deep, with isolated deposits exceeding 2 feet, mixed with scoured areas and exposed old, hard bed surfaces.

In the drifted snow we encountered, we observed little to no onvious signs of slab propagation, and the new snow appeared to be bonding well to the underlying firm surface where we could evaluate the interface. 

We did not travel above ~4,500 ft, and upper-elevation conditions remain uncertain. Additional upslope snowfall today and/or increased wind transport overnight could increase the size of slabs. 

* For an observation in this location today at higher elevations go here.