Huntington Ravine has HIGH avalanche danger. Natural and human triggered avalanches are LIKELY. Unstable slabs are likely on a variety of aspects and slope angles. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.

The summit has received 5.3" (13.5 cm) of snow in the past twenty-four hours. This snow fell with winds from the south between 30 and 50 mph (50 and 75 kph) which then shifted to the west and increased with a peak gust from the west of 131 mph (205 kph). The west wind remained over 110 mph (180 kph) for four hours. At 0800 it was steady at 87 mph (140 kph) out of the west. The wind has transported a lot of the new snow down into both Ravines creating wind slab over softer snow that was deposited during the lighter south winds. Expect unstable conditions in most areas today. The high winds will deposit snow in any area that is sheltered from its power. One area that is a good example of this is down low in Huntington Ravine. Dangerous avalanche conditions may be present on the approach to gullies and even in the trees.

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 is improving with this new snow, however, expect whales, drifts, and scouring due to the high winds. Some rocks and waterbars are still hidden under the new snow.

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.