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 another 2.5 cm (1 in) of snow bringing the 48 hour total to about 15 cm (6 in). Snow densities nearly doubled as the storm progressed and winds made the shift from the S to the WNW, NW and NNW where they have been holding steady in the 85-120 kph (55-75 mph) range with higher gusts. This pattern is similar to the one experienced at the end of last week where we witnessed noteable avalanche activity on E, SE and S aspects. These "low snowfall" weather events create substantial slab instabilities when dense windslab is deposited over light density snow by strong to moderate winds. As long as the wind keeps blowing, available snow will be transported to strong lee areas and packed with force as snow crystals become broken apart and smaller. The weather forecast is predicting scattered snow showers today to add to what we have blowing around already. We will be watching closely to see how new avalanche activity affects last week's pencil hard windslab. This now buried slab is sitting on a layer of early facets which cover an old raincrust. This weak layer caused some of the deepest slab avalanches to occur last week on SE and S aspects in Tuckerman. Crown depths ranged from 55 cm to 220 cm exhibiting the effects of spatial variability. This layer is still lurking in Tuckerman's so there is the potential for failure to step down to this weakness when smaller avalanches begin to gather mass. Left Gully and Hillman's are not likely to experience the same loading as other areas but both likely harbor windslab deposited earlier in the storm when winds were moving through the SW and WSW. You may also find exposed lee areas in these and other gullies especially in Huntington, that have begun to be scoured by the strong winds. Stick to travel on these surfaces whenever possible if traveling in avalanche terrain.

The John Sherburne ski trail has variable conditions, but is improving. Expect areas of water ice, large 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.