Huntington Ravine has HIGH avalanche danger today. Natural and human triggered avalanches are likely. TRAVEL IN AVALANCHE TERRAIN IS NOT RECOMMENDED.

Yesterday afternoon we were able to get out and check out the snow in Tuckerman Ravine, and our field data showed variable conditions on different aspects. However, it's the new snow today and anticipated increases in wind speeds along with shifting directions that are the reasons for the High ratings today. Since snow began last night, the Summit has recorded 1.6" (4cm) of snow, while at our snowplot at the Harvard Cabin showed 3.9" (10cm) of 9.5% density snow. Snowfall should continue through the better part of the daylight hours, although only 1-2" (2.5-5cm) additional accumulations are expected. Winds so far have been from the ESE and S and fairly light at 20mph (32kph). Looking at current conditions as I write, we're not yet into the High rating. As the low pressure system pulls away today, winds will shift around to the W and increase to 60-75mph (96-121kph) with higher gusts. These shifting and increasing winds will create significant new loading in both ravines. As a result, avalanche danger will rise throughout the day, in part from the additional snow that will fall earlier in the day, but more so due to the changes in winds. Traveling in avalanche terrain today is not recommended; however, if you make the decision to do so, pay close attention to what the winds are doing and how much snow is actually falling. Remember that with poor visibility it is easy to put yourself in the runout of avalanches without even knowing you are in avalanche terrain. This includes going up to the floor of either ravine to "check it out".

Although today's concerns are focused on the new snow and winds, yesterday's field observations are worth mentioning. In Tuckerman Ravine, surface conditions varied widely. Under the Sluice, I watched Chris and Justin working hard to kick steps into a very hard crust one moment, and afterwards carefully tiptoeing across a large slab in Right Gully. Meanwhile, under the Chute and in the left Headwall, I booted up mostly medium-density slabs, but quickly found sheltered areas that were nowhere near as stable as what I was on just a few steps earlier (for you snowpit-diggers out there: CT5 Q1, ECTPN, and ECTPV were my quantifiable results). All of what we observed yesterday reinforces what we already knew--that the variability of the snowpack on Mt. Washington can be huge. On a day like today, it's easy to make the decision not to go into avalanche terrain. On days when you do decide to go, it's important to constantly assess the conditions underfoot, and never let your guard down.

After this weather system moves away. Another one is on tap for Tuesday night. Even though it's New Year's Eve with parties everywhere, I would much rather have December continue as it has for the next few weeks.

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.