Late February snow safety

[cgarrett]

From the way the snow is looking so far, how skiable do you think Tuck's will be around Feb. 27th? I am in charge of planning a boarding school ski club trip to Tuckerman's, and because of an early spring break, this is the latest date that would be reasonable for us to go. I am aware that snowpack and conditions can be unpredictable (and I will definitely check the avalanche reports before we leave), but based on the typical conditions at this time of year, would it be feasable to go through with the trip on this date? Our group would be around 15 skiers and climbers, with the climbers and adults having experience climbing Mt. Washington in the winter, but none the skiers have skied Tuck's before (although all have had at least some backcountry skiing experience). Am I asking for trouble, or looking at a decent chance for safe skiing conditions? Thanks for your help.

[Castlerock]

Anyone who would pontificate today on how Tucks will be on the 27th, is a heroin addict from RutVegas. (Hey Elwood, like the reference?)

Look, The great divide at Tucks is the weather. The biggest being whether it is in winter or spring conditions. (Then we'll worry about secondary issues like visibility etc)

If it is "winter", your entire party better be Avy prepared, transceivers shovels etc and know how to use the gear. In addition, there is a good chance that you'll need alpine tools to get around safely (Crampons iceaxe etc). And all that is only "if" mother nature cooperates and leave the hill in a manner in which it can be approached.

Spring is a different story, but not very likely around the end of February.

However none of this says you can't go, have a great day outside, hike, maybe get into the bowl and at least ski the Serburne down, if the conditions aren't favorable for skiing the ravine. Just don't let the disappointment of possibly being aced out of the bowl goad anyone into doing anything stupid.

[Huckasaurass]

Just don't let the disappointment of possibly being aced out of the bowl goad anyone into doing anything stupid.


VERY SANE ADVICE...

Matt

[cgarrett]

Thanks for not beating around the bush, I am probably going to wait until after march break for this trip. I know that I would probably have a lot of trouble keeping myself from hiking the headwall on my first trip to tuck's no matter what the conditions were, so I'm going to play it safe.