Well after 3 days of warm weather on Mount Washington we are back into seasonable temperatures. After a high of 8 C (46 F) on Monday, the summit temperatures have been dropping quickly. As of 10:00 Tuesday morning temperatures were at -11 C (12 F) and are continuing a downward trend even though the NWS called for the summit highs to be around 0 C (32 F). Average or above average temperatures are expected for the rest of the week. Along with the cold front came a brief shot of precipitation between 3 am and 7 am Tuesday morning. The summit picked up .75 cm (0.3 inches) of snow and ice pellets with an average density of 20%. This has added a nice dusting of snow which at least gives a little feeling of winter. The next appreciable moisture is expected late Thursday into Friday.

Although we are happy to see winter again it has come a bit late to salvage any substantial snow or ice in the ravines. The warm weather from the past 3 to 4 days has either melted or sent most of the ice down the cliffs to the floor. So the ice and snow are once again starting from scratch all over again. I expect with cold evening temperatures over the next few nights that ice should come back quickly. By the weekend I expect some reasonable ice climbing to be available. But check back for new advisories later in the week. Despite this, be aware of falling ice in both Ravines if daytime temperatures climb much above freezing. New ice usually takes time to develop strength and is easily affected by temperature changes. In addition, the rock is acting as a heat sink for the past few days of high temperatures. Ice bonding to this warm rock will be gradual as new lower temperatures cool the earth. So although I have backed off the ice fall warning considerably there is still a bit of concern over the next few days. Many visitors 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. Be ice smart.

Review your safe travel rules, techniques for assessing snow stability, and sign up for an avalanche course. We have all the avalanche courses offered in the valley this winter on our website, tuckerman.org.

I realize the holiday season seems a bit far away, but it's time to start thinking of those on your shopping list. The best holiday gift you can give your backcountry loved one to express care and concern is the avalanche beacon, probe, and shovel. Too expensive? Think of the consequences or split the gift with another relative or friend. YOU'LL NEVER REGRET GIVING IT, ONLY REGRET NOT GIVING IT. THEY JUST MAY BE THE GIFT OF LIFE.

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 reading mountain weather's effect on the snowpack, and avalanche rescue.

United States Avalanche Danger Descriptions. HðA