We're now into the last month of winter according to the calendar but in reality we all know that winter lasts here a whole lot longer than that. Today is a perfect day for some types of winter recreation while it is horrible for others. Clear skies and light winds (30mph or 48kph) will provide a spectacular day for general mountaineering and we expect to see lots of folks trying their hand at a summit bid. If technical climbing is what you desire, the Huntington gullies are in great shape and the cramponing is worthy of a blue ribbon. Unfortunately for those who want to do some skiing or riding I would suggest hitting the groomers and leaving Mt Washington for another day.

Though areas to the south received a decent blast of snow yesterday we picked up a measly 1.4"(3.6cm) at the summit with only slightly higher amounts lower down the hill. Winds were light and out of the SW & W during the snowfall. These conditions have provided us with our snowpack stability concerns of the day. While we are under a Low rating in all areas, there are isolated pockets that you need to recognize and avoid if possible. LOW DANGER DOES NOT MEAN NO DANGER. N and NE aspects are the most likely spots to be found harboring new soft windslab. Good examples include the Escape Hatch in Huntington and Hillman's Highway in Tuckerman. The slabs of concern sit atop a layer of very light density snow which in turn lies upon the icy raincrust. Triggering one of these pockets at the top of a long gully may set you up for the worst ride of your life even though they may seem small and relatively insignificant as you approach. You may also see loose snow avalanches today as the result of natural or human triggers. With many people expected on the mountain today I would keep a close eye on who might be above and below you. As loose snow avalanches descend steep slopes they generally entrain more snow and gather mass. The best travel options today will be in areas where the old surface is exposed as the result of sluffing or wind effect. With this in mind you should expect any slips on this old surface to move you toward terminal velocity if you do not self arrest immediately. Crampon up early and make sure that you can arrest a fall without having to think about it--Life and limb may depend on it!

Trails around the mountain right now are very icy, hard, and slick. Historically, this has contributed to a number of accidents, particularly sliding falls with crampons on. I would not recommend glissading in these conditions. Certainly, glissading with crampons is never a good idea under any conditions. Crampons are great tools for helping you get around the mountains in these conditions, but they can be downright dangerous if you are sliding with any bit of speed. Quick self-arrest with your ice axe is the best way to stop a sliding fall. If you haven't practiced your self-arrest skills in a while, I'd recommend doing so in a safe location before venturing into angled terrain, including the Lion Head Winter Route. Crampons, an ice axe, and solid self arrest skills are needed for travel in steep terrain, which does include the Lion Head Winter Route and the summit cone.

The Sherburne Ski Trail has a dusting of new snow on top of very icy conditions. Though it may be better than sitting at home on the couch I would be hard pressed to call it good skiing.