Huntington Ravine has MODERATE and CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger. The Escape Hatch and South gully have Moderate avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are unlikely and human triggered avalanches are possible. Unstable slabs are possible in steep terrain. Use caution in steeper terrain. All other areas in Huntington Ravine have Considerable avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are possible and human triggered avalanches are probable. Be increasingly cautious in steeper terrain.

The summit received 12.5 cm (4.9 in) of low 6.7% density snow in the past 30 hours. Densities began to increase due to light riming over the past 6 hours which pushed percentages up from 5.7% as of midnight. Snow began with light to moderate S and SSW winds before moving to the West between 1pm and 2pm yesterday. Winds have slowly increased in velocity and are currently blowing at 80-100 kph (50-60 mph) with higher gusts. This is an ideal "low snowfall" weather event creating substantial slab instabilities. As winds were initially light during the onset of precipitation snow was deposited as a loose unconsolidated layer on top the old surface. As winds and precipitation increased it began to pack together as a slab over the lower density layer below. As winds continue to increase the slabs forming over previous loading will be higher in density as it becomes packed with more force and snow crystals become broken apart and smaller. The key factors of this developing problem is the low density snows and moderate to high winds. All this translates into an inverted snowpack with dense slabs over lighter density slabs and loose snow near the old surface. This makes for growing instabilities that will increase as the day progresses. The weather forcast is predicting another couple of inches due to scattered snow showers in the mountains. So as precipitation eases later today we should have totals around 18 cm (7 in) all of which is being loaded into the Ravines by WNW and NW winds between 72-113 kph (45-70 mph). So expect an increasing avalanche danger through the day. Strong sheltered lee areas in Tuckerman with E-SE aspects should pick up the most new loading. The Northern side of the bowl under the Headwall ice, Lip, Sluice, and Right gully should be on the upper end of Considerable. Areas below the Lip may lean towards High by late in the day if the expected precipitation occurs. If winds increase just a bit beyond the forecasted predictions you may find exposed lee areas begin to become scoured. This is particularly true in Left Gully and under the Chute in Tuckerman and in many locations in Huntington. If this happens the "Considerable" forecast may not be reached. With the low density snow that has fallen the wind forecast will be the critical factor in the formation of unstable slabs or scouring to old surface. Thick pencil hard slabs sitting on a layer of early facets over crust could fail with the overriding force of new avalanche activity. This weak layer caused some avalanches to occur a few days ago on SE and S aspects in Tuckerman. Crown depths reached 220cm to 55 cm so expect the depth of this problem to be quite variable. Adjacent areas still harbour this layer so there is a potential for failure to step down to this weakness with avalanche activity due to current loading.

The John Sherburne ski trail has variable conditions, but is improving. Expect areas of water ice, new drifts, and abrupt water bars. 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.