Huntington Ravine has LOW avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are very unlikely and human triggered avalanches are unlikely EXCEPT IN ISOLATED POCKETS. Normal caution is advised.

The summit received 1.5 cm (.6 in) of new snow in the past 24 hours and expects a chance of snow showers today. Winds have been out of the WNW at 65 to 80 kph (40 to 50 mph). The new snow and wind loading has covered up all the visible tracks that were in Tuckerman yesterday. The spatial variability in Tuckerman is substantial as you travel from area to area. Crust can be found in some locations and not in others and tends to be in a variety of thicknesses. Crusts that are very thin, thick and breakable, and crusts that are able to support body weight can all be observed. New slabs are also quite different depending on location. We found soft and hard slabs with mixed strength results where it interfaces with the old surface. Therefore, we have a wide distribution of snow stability within the "Moderate" rating spectrum. Some pockets are on the lower end of Moderate approaching Low while others are on the upper end of Moderate. Areas of most concern are strong lee areas with a E through SE aspect component. Some examples of this are the Lip, Sluice, and high in the Bowl near the transition to the Headwall just under the ice. Although Tuckerman has more instability, Huntington does have some isolated pockets of concern. Climbers found pockets of snow between thigh and waist deep in the lower half of Central gully particularly just above the ice bulge.

Wednesday's 10.9 cm (4.2") rain caused several wet loose and slush avalanches in Huntington Ravine. O'Dells, Pinnacle, The Harvard Bulge, Yale, and Damnation all presented evidence of wet debris. In Tuckerman a large wet loose-slush avalanche ran from the main waterfall across the floor through the river bed. New water ice and snow loading has covered any evidence of the event in the start zone and track, but the debris pile on the floor is impressive. Realize new snow may be bridging over some deep trenches left by the running water on snow and ice climbs. Some of these may be quite deep. Also be prepared for the higher potential of ice dams as the runoff is still subsiding throughout both ravines. Running water was reported in Central Gully yesterday and should be expected in most of the others.

The John Sherburne ski trail was hit hard by the rain. Expect very icy and hard conditions, some blowouts, abrupt water bars, open holes, and running water in places.

THE LION HEAD WINTER ROUTE IS OPEN. This is a steep and challenging route. Ice axe, crampons, and the skill to use them well is necessary for safe travel. Remember, it is always easier to go up than come down.

The holidays are quickly approaching. Don't forget the beacon, probe, and shovel for those on your shopping list.

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.