Tuckerman Ravine has LOW, MODERATE and CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger today. The Little Headwall has LOW avalanche Danger. Natural avalanches are very unlikely and human triggered avalanches are unlikely except in isolated pockets. Normal caution is advised. The Left Gully, Hillmans Highway, and the Lower Snowfields have MODERATE avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are unlikely and human triggered avalanches are possible. Use caution in steeper terrain. All other areas in Tuckerman have CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are possible and human triggered avalanches are probable. Unstable slabs are probable on steep terrain. Be increasingly cautious in steeper terrain.

Huntington Ravine has LOW avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are very unlikely and human triggered avalanches are unlikely EXCEPT IN ISOLATED POCKETS. Normal caution is advised.

After 3 to 4 days of obscured visibility and blowing snow the Ravines were clear this morning. Huntington received heavy scouring in most locations particularly from up to 103 mph winds yesterday. Tuckerman has picked up an enormous amount of snow over these last few days. The Lip and similar E and SE aspects picked up the most new snow. Fracture lines were visible in Right Right Gully and on the summer Lion Head trail snow traverses both of which have easterly aspects. Areas on the south side of the Bowl under the Chute have greater stability than the north under the Lip. So realize that even though multiple areas fall under the definition of Considerable the stability varies. Snow showers are forecasted for this afternoon so anticipate the possiblity of an increasing avalanche danger.

We left off yesterday discussing the pros and cons of "Micro" forecasting for Direct action avalanche activity here on Mt. Washington. We'll continue that later in the week and over the weekend, so stay tuned.

AS ALWAYS, THIS ADVISORY IS ONE MORE TOOL TO HELP YOU MAKE YOUR OWN DECISIONS IN AVALANCHE TERRAIN. It should be used along with your own snow stability assessments, knowledge of safe travel techniques, skill in mountain weather's effect on the snowpack, and avalanche rescue.

THE WINTER LION HEAD ROUTE IS OPEN. The route leaves from the Huntington Fire Road and has orange signs starting on the Tuckerman Ravine trail at roughly the 1.8 mile mark. It is a steep and challenging route. Crampons, an ice axe, and the ability to use them with skill are required for safe travel. Avalanche skills are always required to travel safely in the mountains. Be prepared to do your own stability assessments.

The John Sherburne ski trail has improved over the week with wind moving snow in here and there over the entire length of the trail. There are a few problem waterbars and rocks still hidden just under the new snow.

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