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.

Field observations in Tuckerman Ravine once again found a wide variety of conditions. In the Bowl we found surface conditions that included soft knee deep wind slab, very hard wind slab, old surface, shallow elastic wind slab in strong lee pockets and a bit of sun crust on south aspects. We had weak layers that included soft unconsolidated loose snow and facets. The Lip and the Bowl have areas of instablity mixed in with a broad spectrum of conditions. We feel that there are enough pockets of instability that warrent rating the entire Bowl at Moderate. Areas posted at Low have isolated pockets of instability as well. Use your avalanche skills to find a good route through these areas. With all of that said, the current warming temperatures are increasing the stability of the wind slab. These temperatures are associated with a weather maker that should effect us this afternoon and last into tomorrow morning. It is unclear as to what type of precipitation and how much precipitation we are going to receive from this, however, it does not appear as though we are going to receive a lot of moisture from it. We will certainly keep out eyes on it.

Looking into Tuckerman Ravine it doesn't seem as though we are behind in snowfall for this time of year. If you look anywhere else, it seems apparent that we are lacking snow. January's average snowfall for the summit is 40.1". This January we recorded 21.2" of snow. The reason Tuckerman Ravine doesn't seem behind is because of the consistent high winds we have had that have blown a significant amount of snow into the Ravine. The trails heading up to the Ravine are showing signs of earth through their thin snow cover. Let's hope the February is kind to us.

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 lost a bit of snow and some patches of earth are showing along with debris from past wind storms. Be aware that there are obstacles on the trail.

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.

United States Avalanche Danger Descriptions. tioł”