Huntington Ravine has CONSIDERABLE and HIGH avalanche danger. The Escape Hatch has Considerable avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are possible and human triggered avalanches are probable. Unstable slabs are probable on steep terrrain. 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 low pressure system has begun to move into the state from the southwest and with it comes warming air and more rain. As the day progresses the precipitation may become quite heavy at times and the National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for northern New Hampshire. By the time the low finally moves out of the area late Thursday we could receive more than 5 cm (2 inches) of rain. As we have already seen this season, rain can cause strange things to happen to the snowpack. As it seeps down through the snow it can break existing bonds and lubricate potential bed surfaces such as buried crusts. Keep in mind that as the rain continuously adds weight and thus stress on the snowpack you can expect an increase in the avalanche danger. Avalanche terrain is not the best place to be during a winter rain storm. This is evidenced by the debris that is still visible in both ravines from the many wet snow avalanches we had as the result of 4.5 cm (1.8 in) of rain exactly a week ago.

The John Sherburne ski trail has been hit hard by the recent rain and warm weather. 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.