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.

After a day of blowing snow and no visibility on Friday we got into avalanche terrain yesterday under clear skies. We took an up close and personal look at the large avalanche in Tuckerman's center Bowl which measured 1.9M (6.25') at the deepest part of the crown and approximately 155M (510') in length. Most of the bed surface measured a consistent 44 degrees in steepness. We also confirmed avalanche activity in the Lobster Claw, Right Gully, and below the buttress between the two. The large avalanche in the center ripped out a deep instability hard slab on a practically indiscernible layer. The size, mass, and energy of a large avalanche will often rip out adjoining instabilities if they are teetering on the fracture/failure fence. Although in this situation the adjoining slopes to the north under the Lip and the south towards the Chute stayed put these are the areas we have the most concern about today. The further you move away from the fracture the more risk you run in generating an avalanche. So remember we have just come down from Considerable and we remain at the upper end of the Moderate rating particularly in the Bowl in Lip. Pay attention to your travel routes and don't be under questionable slopes with other weekend travelers up higher than you. A good example would be getting to Right Gully safely. Considering a traverse through the trees from the floor entrance to the right side of Right gully would be better than walking up the floor to Lunch Rocks before heading up to the gully. This limits your exposure time under the slabs of most instability, but realize once you're on the floor you are in avalanche terrain runout. Areas posted at Low today do have isolated pockets of instability. If you hunt for instabilities in Low areas you will find some, remember Low does not mean none.

We did get about an inch of snow which likely developed some thin slabs in strong lee areas of W winds. The weather forecast today is calling for a mixed precipitation day with limited accumulation. The real concern today is if we get rain as temperatures in start zones rise through the day. Currently the Summit is at 25F (-4C) while we sit 33F (0.5C) here at the 3800' level. If rain begins leaving avalanche terrain is prudent. The next big topic facing instability is this week's thaw and rain. There is little question we will have a warm week ahead although rain isn't expected to be heavy. Warming with some precipitation will culminate with rain likely on Wednesday bringing about 0.5" of water. Clearing afterward is expected to bring a nice day on Thursday albeit warm. This will create some avalanche forecasting that will necessitate close scrutiny of temperatures, water equivalent, and snowpack changes such as water percolation and temperatures. Expect some up and down avalanche danger this week and read the avalanche forecast each morning before heading into the mountains.

The John Sherburne Ski Trail is open with plenty of 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.