Huntington Ravine has HIGH avalanche danger today. Natural and human triggered avalanches are likely. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.

A fast-moving storm has deposited 3-4"(8-10cm) of high density snow in the Ravines this morning and looks to stick around for a few more hours. Currently S winds are driving small ice pellets through the air and dumping them off in downwind locations. These ice pellets, along with the needles and large irregular crystals that are mixed in, are forming a relatively heavy, cohesive layer that creates today's main concern. N-facing slopes are benefitting most right now with the current 60mph(97kph) winds but wind direction is expected to shift from the S to the W later today and increase the potential for avalanches in all areas. This change is forecasted to happen around noon with a temporary decrease in wind speeds before they ramp back up and push 80mph(129kph) from the W. Don't get fooled by this short "sucker hole" when conditions temporarily seem inviting and the mountain puts on a mask of benevolence. This is when Mt Washington likes to teach people difficult lessons.

We observed evidence of natural avalanche activity yesterday that occurred under somewhat similar circumstances as we're seeing this morning. Hidden under the fresh blanket of snow are a couple of villanous layers that will stay on our radar for some time. The first is an icy crust that formed following last Sunday's first real rain on snow event of the season. In addition to this textbook bed surface, we'll be tracking the weak layer of graupel and needles, some jumbo-sized, that most likely acted as a weak layer during the last avalanche cycle. Although it helped produce some of the farthest running avalanches of the season, there was not evidence of widespread activity. This points to the potential for today's cycle to step down to this layer and produce some fairly large slides in area's didn't fail yesterday. Remember that the runouts of avalanche paths are just as dangerous as the steep slopes above. This includes the floors of both ravines.

The John Sherburne Ski Trail is open with continuous snow from top to bottom. Expect good snow over a stiff base. THE LION HEAD WINTER ROUTE IS 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.