Huntington Ravine has CONSIDERABLE AND HIGH avalanche danger. The Escape Hatch and South gully have Considerable avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are possible and human triggered avalanches are probable. Unstable slabs are probable in steep terrain. Be increasingly cautious in steeper terrain. All other areas in Huntington Ravine have 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.

A major weather maker is forecasted to give us another dumping of precipitation today. Unfortunately, it looks as though it is going to come in as rain. Today's weather forecast is calling for the potential for 5 cm (2 inches) or more of rain to fall today and tonight with periods of very heavy rain. 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. The harder the rain falls, the faster these changes will happen. Snow does not like rapid change. In the long run this will help stabilize the existing snowpack, but for now expect natural activity to occur through the day as the rain moves in. Areas that are posted at Considerable generally have smaller snowfields than those areas that are High. These areas have not received as much snow from our past Nor'Easter snow storms, however, they do have some snowfields. Don't be lulled into these areas because they have a lower rating. Not only will you be exposing yourself to unstable snow, you will also be subjecting yourself to a horrendous bushwack to get to the unstable snow.

As this front passes by tonight, it will be followed by much colder air. This has the potential to mix with the moisture from this storm system so we may see it wind down with rain changing to snow. This could cause an entirely new avalanche issue for tomorrow depending on how much snow falls, how quickly the temperatures drop and the timing of it all. We could see the new snow fall onto a wet surface and therefore bond well, or we may see the development of an ice crust before the snow falls. We'll have to wait and see, but keep this in the front of your mind if you plan on heading into avalanche terrain tomorrow. The forecast for the rest of the week includes snow showers every day. Be prepared for changing conditions.

The John Sherburne ski trail has improved substantially with the new snow. Despite the good coverage you should still expect abrupt waterbars, patches of water ice, and rocks under the new snow.

THE LION HEAD SUMMER TRAIL IS CLOSED AND THE WINTER ROUTE IS OPEN.

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.