The snowpack, small as it may be, survived recent rains and unseasonably warm temperatures better than we expected. Our existing snowpack is primarily a result of one significant snow storm that occured over Thanksgiving weekend. This created snowfields in both Tuckerman and Huntington Ravine that are suitable bed surfaces for avalanches but are not widespread enough to push us into the 5-scale danger rating system. This will be important to keep in mind as new snow falls on the mountain and is blown into the Ravines over the next few days with some accumulation expected. The trick is that these snowfields are not only suitable bed surfaces, they are where you are likely to want to travel if you plan on climbing in the Ravines as they offer a path of least resistance. Areas that have the most snow in them include Left Gully and the Chute in Tuckerman and Central, Yale and Damnation in Huntington. In addition to light snow on Saturday night and Monday, weather forecasts are starting to indicate a significant storm later in the week. Seasonable temperatures will promote ice growth for the foreseeable future but remember that the ice is young and recent rain and warm weather has damaged the integrity of some climbs.

OTHER GENERAL EARLY SEASON CONCERNS- We are in early winter in the high mountains so don't plan on being able to follow summer trails safely. Trails going through ravines and gulfs require winter gear and equipment. Be aware that a small slab or sluff can be dangerous. This is particularly true in the steep gullies and slopes of Tuckerman and Huntington Ravines for early season ice climbers. It doesn't take much snow to knock you off your feet and depending how high you are this could be a significant problem. Remember if a snowfield is big enough to recreate on, it's big enough to avalanche.

Be aware of falling ice if we get into thaw periods before the real deep winter freeze. Many folks have been injured and killed by falling ice so pay attention to where you are, and don't linger when under ice. Have a plan in mind about what you will do and where you will go if ice comes down. Station yourself near a large rock to duck behind in the event of ice fall.

Don't wait any longer to refresh your avalanche skills. Pull out your beacon, install some fresh high quality alkaline batteries, and practice. Review your safe travel rules, techniques for assessing snow stability, and sign up for an avalanche course. We now have all the avalanche courses offered in the valley this winter on our website, tuckerman.org.