How much longer will we have snow up there?

[JohnnyTwoTimes]

Based on recent weather up there, does anyone have any thoughts on how deep into the season we'll be able to get up there?

Is May 18 too late?

[skicdave]

The length of any season at Tuckerman Ravine is hard to define since everyone has different criteria. Basically it boils down to how much, or how long a run will make it worth your while and most importantly your risk tolerance.

The #1 consideration (in my view) to ending your season is the danger/risk factor. As the snow melts and we get well into spring the higher areas of the ravine become unskiable, as well the snow receeds at the base of the ravine. Lack of snow in the base of the ravine is a very good reason to 'end your season' since a fall can be extremely dangerous as one slides down into the huge boulder field at the base and lower area of the ravine. As well the length of your runs will get pretty short so it might not be worth your while.

Dave

[skicdave]

My estimate is that we have one maybe two more weekends of decent/acceptable skiing followed by several weeks of more dangerous skiing with a highly exposed ravine base, more crevasses and undermined snow.

This years season is certainly shorter compared to most. Usually a mid May trip would offer excellent coverage and you could expect to be able to ski from above the headwall with good coverage in many areas of the ravine as well as to the base of the ravine.

Of course for the few die hards and extremest the season is far from over. There may likely be a few still skiing into June (I've seen people in early July still finding a patch or two of snow).

For some the season has already ended... others I'm sure will be planning the long weekend in May.

Dave

[saxman]

I got a good look at the bowl this week-end and I wouldn't think May 18th un-do-able. As Skidave already said, it depends on what your acceptable conditions are. Depends on how hot it gets and how fast things melt. If things stay like they are now (cold), we have a storm or 2, and the first hot sunny day we have in the next 3 weeks is May 18th, then it would be most excellent. If we do have some hot days, it is my humble opinion that there will definitely be enough snow to get some turns in. Who knows? you may even get serenaded. /Saxman

[JohnnyTwoTimes]

Thanks guys. Hopefully the snow gods will keep it cold for a few weeks.

-J2T

[skicdave]

To see how the snow receeds into late spring. See http://www.mountwashington.com/hiking/trails/tuckerman-from-lion-head.html for a photo taken June 24, 1996. Mind you there was much more snow that year...

Dave

[M@]

I'd say the season is determined from now by how much RAIN hits the ravine. Rain destroys snow pretty fast.

This weekend there was a LOT of snow in the ravine. I'd guess at least a couple more weeks of good times to be had.

Saturday is looking lik 60's too... might be a good weekend to go.

M@