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 combination of wind and snow over the last 4 days has predominately loaded E and ESE aspects in the ravines. Although other aspects have received snow through crossloading. 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. 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. Although Tuckerman has more instability, Huntington does have some isolated pockets of concern.

A low pressure system is expected to move into the state from the southwest to the northeast tonight bringing rain. Keep an eye on the sky today in case the system moves in more quickly. By the time it moves out of the area Thursday we could receive up to 5 cm (2 inches) of rain. Rain can cause strange things to happen to the snowpack as it seeps through, breaking the bonds. Keep in mind that as the rain starts you can expect an increase in the avalanche danger. Avalanche terrain is not the best place to be during a winter rain storm.

Both ravines still show evidence of last weeks wet snow avalanches, although new snow is slowly covering over the debris. Realize this new snow may be hiding 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.

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.

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.