Huntington Ravine has MODERATE avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are unlikely and human triggered avalanches are possible. Unstable slabs are possible so use caution is steeper terrain.

Yesterday a fire at the Summit has resulted in the loss of electricity. For their safety, the weather observers were pulled off the mountain. We wish our friends from the Mount Washington Observatory and the State Park luck in solving this difficult problem. For us this is a stark reminder of how much we depend on Observatory weather forecasts and hourly observations. In addition when we have questions about what is occuring weather wise we give them a call. It is like being able to query a high powered weather forecast model whenever we want and get the human intuition angle as well. Until the summit is back up and running we advise to be more conservative than usual because you won't have all the information to make good decisions. If you head towards the summit you won't have a good summit forecast so when in doubt turning around is always a good idea. We did receive snow yesterday but we do not have a total from the summit. Here at Hermit Lake we received 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) of 4% density snow. The winds are from the SW/W so you can expect lee areas to load with new snow. The forecast expects light snow today and into the evening with 2 inches (5 cm) possible. We anticipate low densities again for today and tonight so expect snow to move around and load quite easily. The SW, W, and eventually NW winds will load a variety of aspects so expect an increasing avalanche danger through the day and into tomorrow. Snowfields to the right and left of the trail heading into the Ravine from Hermit Lake are filling in so expect avalanche activity in these areas with new snow. These have filled in due to the high winds over the past week. This has made it more important to keep your eyes open when traveling in the mountains as avalanche activity may occur outside of the prominent gullies and snowfields. Protected areas in the trees and under buttresses from the Little Headwall through the Lower Snowfields would be an ideal place to find these areas of instability. The Moderate rating is focused on scattered pockets which are mostly thin, hard, and have a high degree of elasticity.

As discussed in many of our previous advisories, ice dams have been an on going issue in the Ravines, particularly in Huntington Ravine. They are still an issue. As of Friday Pinnacle Gully had water pouring down the first pitch. Near the top of the third pitch one unfortunate climber punched through a snowy ledge and found himself up to his knees in water. Not an ideal situation to be in when the outside temperatures are below zero and you are a long way from your car. Be very aware of the condition of the ice you are climbing.

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 weeks new snow. However, due to high winds expect variable conditions in the form of whales, drifts, and scouring. 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. alanc‘:lanc’;