Huntington Ravine has CONSIDERABLE and MODERATE avalanche danger. South, ODell, Pinnacle and Central Gullies have Considerable avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are possible and human triggered avalanches are probable. Be increasingly cautious in steeper terrain. All other forecast areas in Huntington Ravine have Moderate avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are unlikely and human triggered avalanches are possible. Use caution in steeper terrain.

Southern New Englanders are currently digging out from yesterday's storm but up north we're giving thanks for the few inches that we got as well. Sure, it would have been nice to receive a healthy dumping but then again it's these back to back small and medium accumulations that help us build up to the big monthly and seasonal totals. The Summit picked up approximately 3.1"(7.9cm) of 9.4% snow while Hermit Lake did even a little better measuring 4.9"(12.5cm) of 8% snow. Winds during the period of active snowfall were largely out of the WSW with 12 hours in the 20-40mph(32-64kph) range. This allowed incoming snow to fall undisturbed in protected areas while a light soft slab developed on NE to E aspects. Today's weather will continue to add complexity to the snowpack as lingering snowshowers are accompanied by W winds up to 80mph(129kph). A couple of inches(5cm) is expected through the day. This combination will likely yield stiffer slab development around both ravines with E aspects raising the most concern. These new slabs will form over the top of soft slab, unconsolidated snow, existing hard slab and wind-hammered old surface. Try and remember that variety is the spice of life but it can also come back to bite you if you forget how pervasive and dangerous it can be! If we exceed the forecasted wind speeds or hover near 80mph for an extended period of time I wouldn't be surprised to see localized scouring of the relatively light density snow especially in parts of Huntington. Otherwise you should be on the lookout for increasing instability throughout the day with the possibility of natural avalanche activity on aspects in the direct lee of the day's winds. Some of the areas forecasted as Considerable currently fit the criteria for a Moderate rating but will reach their forecasted rating as the day progresses. As always keep an eye on the sky and make use of any clues that are thrown your way.

We're watching the development of this weekend's storm very closely and you can bet I'll be looking at the latest forecast models as soon as I finish typing this. If you're thinking of heading up the hill this weekend make sure to check each day's advisory as well as the "Weekend Update" that will be availble on tuckerman.org this evening. Start doing your snow chants and dances now!

By now you've probably waxed your skis, sharpened your ice axes, refreshed your knowledge of stability assessment, and practiced your rescue skills. No matter how experienced we all are these skills fade with time. Now is the time to hone those skills. Your lives depend on it! We have all the avalanche courses offered in the valley this winter on our website, tuckerman.org.

The John Sherburne Ski Trail is open, with continuous snow from top to bottom. Many large waterbars and exposed rocks make this a challenging early season ski. The Lion Head Summer Trail is currently open. The change to the Winter Route will occur when snow conditions warrant. We'll let you know of the change when it takes place.