Tuckerman
Ravine, on the east side of Mt. Washington in the White Mountain
National Forest, is famous for its spectacular scenery, deep
snow, and
challenging terrain. Thousands of motivated visitors make the
six-mile
roundtrip to the floor of Tuckerman Ravine every year. That is where you will find many of the scouts of Troop 175 this coming weekend.
The climate on Mount Washington
and the Presidential Range can rival the severity of the
greatest ranges
in the world. Arctic temperatures, hurricane-force winds, snow
and icing
are possible in any month. Mt. Washington's weather can
challenge the
best mountaineers and, particularly during winter months, it can
have
climatic conditions that forbid travel on the mountain. Having
the right
equipment, knowing your limits and turning around before pushing
it too
far in wild weather are very important to the safety of your
trip.
Mount Washington is the highest summit in the Presidential Range (6,288 feet/1917 meters) and the highest peak in the northeastern United States, and it has earned itself a fierce reputation. Be prepared for extreme wind, precipitation, and cold throughout the year.
According to the National Forest service, Tuckerman Ravine has LOW avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are very unlikely and human triggered avalanches are unlikely except in isolated pockets. Normal caution is advised.
"Be Prepared" is not just the Boy Scout Motto it is a requirement for everyone making this trip. Be sure to read the equipment list carefully and try not to bring any extra weight if you can avoid it.
