Huntington Ravine has LOW avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are very unlikely and human triggered avalanches are unlikely except in isolated pockets. Normal caution is advised.

As Justin mentioned yesterday we continue to nickel and dime our way into a decent early start to the winter. Another 3.6" (9.1cm) fell over the past 30 hours adding up to 13" (33cm) over the past 5 days. High winds did a good job of packing and scouring much of our angled terrain in the Ravines with the exception of steeper locations sheltered from W to NW winds. In Tuckerman snowfields continue to grow with the southern side of the Ravine being most impressive. These areas also receive the most impact from high westerly winds packing them into submission increasing their stability more than others. So although Left Gully and the lower southern side of the Bowl are posted at Moderate you will find greater stability there than all other areas posted at the same rating. A small fracture line is still visible high in the center Bowl most of which has been covered by new snow deposition. This is a good clue concerning other nearby slabs that were isolated from it due to terrain features that have yet to be buried. I would be quite cautious due to the potential of unstable slabs across the Headwall, Lip and over to the Sluice. These locations contain the most instability in the 2 Ravines. Once again spatial variability is a big topic to keep in mind today. Expect different snow conditions as you move through the terrain. You may feel confident down low on harder slabs and then be shaking in your boots a pitch or two later. Always have a bail out plan and think about who might be above you. Over in Huntington all gullies are posted at Low with sections in Yale and the lower portions of South being the most "heads up" concerning isolated pockets. Stay to the edges of snowfields when climbing and remain on the hardest slabs you can find. You'll be better off walking on top of hard wind pack than punching through soft slab. Protect these areas well with ice and rock gear whenever possible.

A WINTER STORM WARNING WILL BE IN EFFECT FROM 4AM SUNDAY MORNING UNTIL 7AM MONDAY. The NOAA boys and girls have had a tough few days nailing down this storm. Many of you have probably heard the terms "Monster Storm" or "Super Storm" thrown around by the general media. Well the NWS/NOAA team was not pulled into any similar jargon they just stuck with the 6"+ (15cm+) statement. The reason for this very basically has been the mid-elevation warm air that is associated with the heaviest precipitation and where exactly it will track. Generally snow will start in our area early tomorrow morning with the entire state being under the precipitation shield by daylight. Snow will progress and be heavy at times through the afternoon. At some point it appears likely that we will enter a period of mixing and sleet. The duration and intensity of this period before moving back to snow will be the big determinant factor for final snowfall amounts on the ground. Water equivalent (QPF) expectations are impressive for the north country. Currently the digital models are expecting from 1.2-1.6" (3-4cm) of water so the potential for heavy snow is in place so we'll all be watching the sleet amounts. I would expect from 9-14" (22-35cm) on the ground before it wraps up Monday. Winds will be predominately from the SE and E before shifting around daybreak Monday morning from the NW. Density of new snow will be critical for how loading presents itself into the Ravines and what velocities we receive. Expect an increased avalanche danger from Sunday and Monday.

By now you've practiced your avalanche skills so much many would call you a professional. That's fantastic! But don't get cocky, stay humble and keep practicing! 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.