Huntington Ravine has MODERATE and LOW avalanche danger today. Central Gully has Moderate avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are unlikely and human triggered avalanches are possible. Use caution in steep 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.

The mountain fared a lot better than we were expecting yesterday as rain and freezing rain seemed quite likely through the morning. Around 8am a couple of flakes mixed in with freezing rain and by 9am periods of large flake squalls hit the area. We were in and out of visibility and blowing snow through the day as the cold front bore down on the mountains. Winds began shifting from the S around noon and became westerly by 2pm steadily increasing to over 100mph after dark. This did two things. First it transported new snow which came to 1" (2.5cm) up high and 1.5" (4cm) at the mid elevations. It also moved old snow below a weak crust that was lifted in places by high winds on the windward side of the mountain into lee areas. And second, the high winds did some scouring and wind packing as 100+ mph velocities usually do. Therefore we once again have spatial variability issues within relatively small areas. Simply and plainly put you will find vastly different things in different places. At a basic level this is not a high tech or complex concept to grasp, but it can cause some complacency as you travel. Be prepared for icy surfaces requiring crampons for purchase, hard wind packed slab, and locations of softer slab in strong lee areas such as the upper Chute and locales across the southern Bowl and Headwall. Travel options exist in both Ravines, but be smart and thoughtful about your choices to avoid instabilities.

The news we're keeping an eye on is the development of a WINTER STORM moving up through the SE portion of the country. Exact track will be key for determining precipitation type, but currently it appears Friday will start as snow with some heavy bursts of accumulation. And then.... you guessed it... our ole' friend "Wintry Mix" plans on coming to dinner, eating up as much new snow as it can before getting full and leaving a return to snow in its wake. Commentary on how this plays out exactly should be put off until tomorrow morning. Check in then for this storm discussion and how it will affect avalanche terrain. Then come back again tomorrow night to tuckerman.org for the Weekend Update for the latest issues for avalanche problems on Saturday.

Crampons, an ice axe and solid self arrest skills are needed to travel safely if you plan on traveling in steep terrain, including the Lion Head Winter Route. Many areas have large expanses of bulletproof old surface that resembles alpine ice. Sliding falls on this surface are not one bit enjoyable. The Sherburne Ski Trail is open with good coverage from top to bottom.