Huntington Ravine has MODERATE and LOW avalanche danger today. South, Pinnacle and Central 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 Low avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are very unlikely and human triggered avalanches are unlikely EXCEPT IN ISOLATED POCKETS. Normal caution is advised.

This morning's alpenglow illuminated a large and beautiful fracture in the Tuckerman Headwall. In addition to being my favorite part of the job, seeing the alpenglow in the morning helps us pick out some of the fine details of surface texture. Today's showing provided some clues toward the day's avalanche danger. The recent avalanche activity most likely occurred at a point yesterday morning when snowfall was very light but loading from strong W winds was happening at a steady pace. The surface texture in the undisturbed snow near the crown line looks creamier than the more heavily wind-effected snow to its south in the Chute. This same texture extends away from the fracture and up into the Lip and mouth of Right Gully. Although yesterday's avalanche left a scar that looks to be about 5'(1.5m) deep, other areas likely have a thinner slab that will be more responsive to human triggers. The high point of the crown is probably only 1'(30cm) exemplifying the increased reactivity that you can expect in thinner hard slabs. Temperatures only began their rebound overnight so sintering of upper level snowpack crystals has only just begun and snappy snow should be expected. Triggering a small pocket could be done quite easily and the potential for a step down to a deeper layer should not be ignored.

Many areas are at the upper end of their forecasted ratings today and areas with the rating of Low do harbor pockets of instability. Hillman's Highway, Left Gully and the Headwall are examples of areas pushing the upper end of their rating where savvy travelers can negotiate the area with good routefinding and safe travel skills. Smooth, pillowed, soft and thin areas are good places to steer clear of in these and all other areas. The harder and thicker the layer you tread upon, the better the job the snow can do of distributing your weight and decreasing your impact bulb. Today and tomorrow's weather looks like it is going to really help with snowpack stabilization. Remember that even though we are in a time of increasing stability we just came off a productive avalanche cycle and things will need a little time to warm up and settle into place.

The John Sherburne Ski Trail is open with plenty of new snow. Expect drifting, slabby snow, soft bumps and variable conditions. 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.