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. These isolated pockets do exist so try to stay on old surface whenever possible.

Over the past 24 hours the summit winds have been out of the NW and slowly diminishing. The current summit winds are 58 kph (36 mph) with a peak gust yesterday of 173 kph (107 mph). Yesterday's high winds scoured some areas, such as the gullies in Huntington Ravine, while depositing significant amounts of snow in other areas. A fracture line is currently visible in Tuckerman Ravine from a natural avalanche that occured since yesterday morning and wind loading continues to deposit new snow into the Ravine. You should be suspicious anytime you encounter new snow on steeper slopes over the weekend. Due to the very cold temperatures the snow will be slow to consolidate. Another thing we will be keeping our eye on this weekend is the temperature gradients within the snowpack. With very cold ambient temperatures we expect to see significant temperature gradients and the possibility of faceted crystals forming in the snowpack. At Hermit Lake, our T-10s (temperature 10 cm below the surface) have been very different from the surface temperatures. Yesterday the difference was 18 degrees c and today the difference is 7 degrees c. We will keep you posted if this developes into anything interesting over the weekend.

If you are planning a trip into the mountains this weekend snow instabilities shouldn't be you only concern. Arcitic air is dominating our weather bringing bitterly cold temperatures and dangerous wind chills to the mountains and valleys. The Summit currently has a temperature of -33C (-27F). Temperatures well below zero should persist through the weekend with amazingly cold wind chills. Be prepared for artic conditions if you venture above treeline. Conditions like these should not be taken lightly. A simple problem such as an untied boot or a mitten blow away by the wind can lead to serious problems.

The John Sherburne ski trail has variable conditions. Expect areas of ice, some blowouts, abrupt water bars and open holes. The new snow has been blown clean off the trail in places and in others it is hiding the ice. Be prepared for sudden changes in the trail.

THE LION HEAD WINTER ROUTE IS OPEN. This is a steep and challenging route. Ice axe, crampons, and the skill to use them well are 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.