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 3 cm (1.2 in) of new snow in the past 24 hours and expects flurries to continue off and on today. Winds have been out of the W and WNW and holding fairly steady between 65 and 110 kph (40 and 70 mph). This combination has predominately loaded E and ESE aspects although other aspects have received snow through crossloading. Although it might not seem like much, the past four days have landed the summit with a total of 11.25 cm (4.4 in) of snow on top of the rain crust from last week's deluge. Winds have accompanied these accumulations and blown the snow to many areas of the ravines. The spatial variability in Tuckerman is substantial as you travel from area to area. Crust can be found in some locations while 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. Areas of most concern are strong lee areas with a E through SE aspect component. Some examples of this are the Sluice, Lip and the Headwall extending to the Chute. Although Tuckerman has more instability, Huntington does have some isolated pockets of concern. Climbers found pockets of snow between thigh and waist deep in Central Gully particularly just above the ice bulge. Others surely exist.

Last 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 detached ice and the higher potential of ice dams as the runoff is still subsiding throughout both ravines. Running water was reported in Central Gully recently 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.