Over the next several days (Tuesday-Friday) we will witness multiple disturbances bringing a variety of precipitation delights. Although none appear too significant we may see our old dear friend "Wintry Mix". "Wintry Mix" (His friends call him Mess Making Misery) may come for a visit on Wednesday and Thursday. But until then today (Tuesday) looks a lot more like snow. 1-3" (2.5-7.6cm) of snow is forecasted with more in localized areas. This will come in on increasing W winds which should bring new snow deposition on E facing aspects. New snow will continue to fill in nooks and crannies developing the all important bed surfaces for future layers to develop on. This is the most critical early season ingredient for avalanche activity. With very limited bed surfaces on which to lie new snow has resigned itself to mostly fall on vegetation and rock. The associated surface roughness will help lend a hand with stability at the interface. That being said, we continue to set the stage for upcoming snow events to create avalanche potential in the mountains. Watch the precipitation pattern closely over the next week as rain or dense crystals and pellets may cause an increased instability. Although only isolated areas with the snowfield bed surfaces just discussed should be affected keep your avalanche eyes open. A very small pocket may create a significant problem if you're on it when it fails.

As precipitation events move in over the next 72 hours along with warmer air think about the degrading quality of ice and the potential of icefall particularly with rain. Climbers are finding thin conditions with limited ice protection that would be considered "good". As always during the early season bring a focused caution in your brain and rock protection that can handle verglas, ice filled cracks, and similar mixed condition problems. Also prepare for very difficult walking if we get a freezing rain event coating the mountain in a sheet of slippery glass. This potential exists with the current 3 day weather outlook. A more significant weather maker may affect our mountains at the beginning of next week. We'll wait and see how in progresses.

GENERAL EARLY SEASON CONCERNS- We are in early winter in the high mountains so don't plan on being able to follow summer trails safely. Trails going through ravines and gulfs require winter gear and equipment. Be aware that a small slab or sluff can be dangerous. This is particularly true in the steep gullies and slopes of Tuckerman and Huntington Ravines for early season ice climbers. As climbers pick their way through a route they will usually cross small pockets of snow. Often this snow has been deposited over blue ice, making for a poor bond at the interface. Consider this ahead of time and place protection before crossing suspect slopes. It doesn't take much snow to knock you off your feet and depending how high you are this could be a significant problem. Remember if a snowfield is big enough to recreate on, it's big enough to avalanche.

Be aware of falling ice if we get into thaw periods before the real deep winter freeze. Many folks have been injured and killed by falling ice so pay attention to where you are, and don't linger when under ice. Have a plan in mind about what you will do and where you will go if ice comes down. Station yourself near a large rock to duck behind in the event of ice fall.

Don't wait any longer to refresh your avalanche skills. Pull out your beacon, install some fresh high quality alkaline batteries, and practice. Review your safe travel rules, techniques for assessing snow stability, and sign up for an avalanche course. We now have all the avalanche courses offered in the valley this winter on our website, tuckerman.org.