Huntington Ravine has HIGH and CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger. North Gully, Damnation and Yale have HIGH avalanche danger. Natural and human triggered avalanches are likely. Unstable slabs are likely on steep terrain. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended. Central, Pinnacle, Odell's, South and the Escape Hatch have CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are possible and human triggered avalanches are probable. Unstable slabs are probable on steep terrain. Be increasingly cautions on steeper terrain.

Rain is in the forecast for today. We are expecting 2 to 3.2 cm (.8 to 1.25") of rain in the mountains with periods of heavy intensity. The rain will quickly change the dynamics of our snowpack by adding more weight, breaking down bonds between snow grains and adding lubrication into the snowpack. This is all going to happen realatively fast today and the faster these changes happen, the more unstable the snow is going to be. In the long run, this will help stabilize the existing snowpack, but for now we expect natural activity to occur through the day. Areas of most concern are south aspects because they have far more snow than other areas. Furthermore, most south aspects have conrnices looming above them. Today's rain will probably allow these to cut loose and tumble down the gullies that are in their path. Our advice is that you don't place yourself on the receiving end of these.

You absolutely need skis or snow-shoes to travel off the beaten path. Even with them expect your trip to be slow and difficult. With the rain followed by cold temperatures, severe crusts may develop in the woods and unpacked trails.

THE LION HEAD SUMMER TRAIL IS CLOSED. THE WINTER ROUTE IS OPEN. THE UPPER WINTER SIGN WILL NOT GO UP UNTIL IT IS POSSIBLE FOR US TO GET UP THERE.

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.