Tuckerman question

[kcyanks1]

I'm thinking of planning a trip to Tuckerman Ravine the first weekend in May. It would be my first time. I realize that it's good to be flexible because of the weather, but was curious as to whether avalanches or other safety issues are a day-to-day issue at this time of year, or whether at this point it's more of a question of how weather affects enjoyment and surface conditions than safety. (I know that as time goes on more crevices will open up and more ice will fall, but figure that isn't a day-to-day thing, but will happen as it continues to warm up.) If it's just an issue of taking a risk of having to hike up in or for less than ideal conditions, we'd be more likely to make firmer plans and take a risk.. If there could be safety issues making the skiing not even an option (not having experience, there is no way I will hike up in moderate or above avalanche danger), then I'd want to wait longer before committing to a rental car, place to stay, etc. Thanks!

 

[riverc0il]

Avalanche danger is pretty rare this late into the season. Usually only an issue if additional snow occurs and anything can happen up there in April and May. The bigger issue right now is falling ice. Huge chucks of ice bigger than a person can break off and hurtle down slopes at speeds that can severely injure someone and could ever result in death. Avoiding suspect areas, having a plan for action, and having a safe place to duck behind are all good ideas to avoid injury but anything can happen. Lunch rocks area including the headwall, Sluice, and the right gully area are all usual suspects for ice melt.

The weather really becomes the safety issue. If the snow freezes up and does not warm up, it can make climbing or kicking out a ledge difficult. Not getting an early start and topping out just as stuff goes into the shade or as the weather heads south is another concern. If the weather is good, give it a rip, just be ready to turn back if the weather changes. The Rangers can steer you away from the worst of the ice fall danger. While never risk free, there certainly are best practices to follow to stay safe.

Perhaps the worst danger, on a busy weekend especially, are other people, IMO.

 

[kcyanks1]

The weather really becomes the safety issue. If the snow freezes up and does not warm up, it can make climbing or kicking out a ledge difficult. Not getting an early start and topping out just as stuff goes into the shade or as the weather heads south is another concern. If the weather is good, give it a rip, just be ready to turn back if the weather changes. The Rangers can steer you away from the worst of the ice fall danger. While never risk free, there certainly are best practices to follow to stay safe.

Thanks for the reply. So it seems like if it warms up enough during the day, things should be OK safety wise if we choose our route widely (maybe doing left gully?)?
Getting an early start shouldn't be a problem, because the plan would be to drive up and stay in the area the night before.. What time would you recommend starting the hike, keeping in mind that we'd probably take a decent amount longer to do it than you would ... 8am? 9am? I figure getting to the bowl too early doesn't make sense because the snow has to warm up somewhat. Thanks!

 

[riverc0il]

An early start definitely doesn't hurt while a late start limits your options somewhat. An early start also increases your odds of getting a spot in the lot on a weekend. 8a is usually a good bet, though if you are going on the weekend, a little earlier arrival for a close parking spot wouldn't hurt, you can also chill out before the hike or take your time or just be down earlier.

 

[pepperdawg]

The Rangers can steer you away from the worst of the ice fall danger. While never risk free, there certainly are best practices to follow to stay safe.

Perhaps the worst danger, on a busy weekend especially, are other people, IMO.

seconded - definity talk to the snow rangers to get the scoop for any given day.....

 

[kcyanks1]

Thanks for the replies. While I wouldn't want to rush a fun day, getting out earlier certainly could help, given that I would be driving home 7 hours after skiing, and if it is the Sunday, working the next day.

 

[snoseek]

^^^^^^^^^ agreed talk to the snow rangers, they know the little variables that change day to day.

Also stating the obvious but the warmer the day the better the odds for falling ice-always look up when hiking. Drunk/stoned skiers/boarders can be the biggest threat sometimes. Overall it is a fun time with a good vibe.

 

[TheBEast]

One interesting note on conditions. Take a look at the recent photos of the bowl on www.tuckerman.org. The wet snow runnels now look like bobsled runs all over the bowl!! Just another thing to watch out for!

 

[dmc]

Slough runnels...

Wild stuff.. Last time i rode the Chute the one down the middle was 3 feet deep and just as wide...

Saw a guy fall into it and get carried all the way out of the chute then his friends had to dig him ot a bit..