Huntington Ravine has MODERATE and CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger today. Escape Hatch, Yale, Damnation and North Gullies have Moderate avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are unlikely and human triggered avalanches are possible. Use caution in steeper terrain. All other forecast areas in Huntington have Considerable avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are possible and human triggered avalanches are probable. Unstable slabs are probable. Be increasingly cautious in steeper terrain.

What a beautiful day to serve as the official start of winter. Summit temps are expected to climb past 20F (-7C) and the sky is currently a deep blue with nary a cloud in sight. Clouds are supposed to increase through the day but for now the closest thing we're seeing are the plumes of blowing snow hovering in the start zones. A seasoned mountain traveler would notice these as a key piece of information for planning today's travel in steep terrain. Though we haven't received any snowfall in the last 36 hours we also haven't seen any substantial wind since the mountain picked up its last snow a couple of days ago. These are the days that tend to get people in trouble so remember to focus on the bullseye information.Winds are forecasted to blow out of the WSW and increase to 30-45mph(48-72kph). The Summit began recording blowing snow after dark yesterday when winds hit 25mph(40kph) and they've been included in every hourly observation since. You don't need an anemometer to tell you that the winds are high enough to transport snow, just open your eyes and look for the obvious signs. Despite their seemingly sheltered nature, areas lower down in both ravines are showing significant wind effects from the overnight period. Tracks have been covered up and pillows of windslab are evident in a number of locations such as the lower left Bowl and in the Fan below Yale Gully. These signs are interesting considering our "light" winds but then again we have to remember we're using the regular Mt Washington winds as a yardstick! Another piece of information that is important to remember is that the 7"(18cm) of snow that is awaiting wind transport fell with increasing densities. This means that developing windslab in the ravines will form over unconsolidated snow that is lighter density on the bottom. The classic "upside-down" snowpack should be another piece of bullseye data to tuck away for your decision-making process. Some areas will be in the upper end of their forecasted rating as the day moves on and instability increases. Good examples include Yale Gully and the Tuckerman Headwall. With no shortage of snow to move you can expect windslab to grow through the day and the possibility of natural avalanche activity to increase.

On Thursday 3 climbers triggered an avalanche at the base of Pinnacle Gully and were taken for a ride partway down the Fan. A number of pieces of bullseye data were overlooked leading up to the incident. At the time, the area was rated Considerable, it was actively snowing and they had the opportunity to talk with a Snow Ranger who suggested a different route. Despite wading through "chest-deep" snow on the approach they gunned for Pinnacle until they triggered a soft slab that measured about 2'(61cm) deep at the crown. Luckily no injuries resulted but equipment was lost and valuable experience was gained. Although winds were not strong by any means, the triggered slab was enhanced by the constant sloughing that often happens on steep slopes, gullies and buttresses. We'll post a more detailed accident summary on tuckerman.org soon.

Enjoy today because tomorrow looks like garbage. As high pressure exits tonight the next system moves in with a low centered well to our north. Warm air will be pulled in from the south and we expect a mix of freezing rain, sleet and rain before snow arrives on the tail end. We might have a white Christmas but this storm feels like a lump of coal to me!

The John Sherburne Ski Trail is open with continuous snow from top to bottom, however this trail has also been hammered by the wind. THE LION HEAD WINTER ROUTE IS NOW OPEN. This is a steep and challenging route for mountaineers. Crampons, an ice axe and the ability to properly use this equipment are recommended for safe travel on this route.