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.

Snow showers are in the forecast for the higher summits later today as clouds are expected to move into the region. Winds have been out of the WNW and NW for a couple of days now and have blown some snow into strong lee areas. Keep your eyes out for newly deposited wind slabs and approach them with caution. The areas posted at Moderate have been at that rating for a week now. You may be wondering why we feel that these areas are still Moderate. While many areas experienced scouring from high NW winds earlier in the week, these slabs remained smooth and consistent. Time has allowed for some bonding to occur and we do feel that the slabs have gained some strength, however, recent cold temperatures haven't allowed this to occur at a rapid rate. January's record cold temperatures has been a large contributing factor to these persistent lingering weak interfaces to resist bonding. Avalanche activity that has occured on these slopes during precipitation events earlier this month has occassionally stepped down into deeper slabs and resulted in large direct action avalanches. While currently we are not as concerned with natural activity, we do have concerns that if a person were to ski or climb in the areas posted at Moderate it is possible they could trigger an avalanche in newer wind slab that may step down to deeper weak layers.

Well, January is over. It will go down in the history books as the coldest month ever recorded on the summit of Mt. Washington. For the 744 hours during the month we AVERAGED -22C(-6.5F) degrees! COLD!! With the first day of the new month it appears our luck for temperatures and moisture may be changing. The jet stream is shifting and allowing the potential for storms to track our way. Latest weather models are expecting snow to be likely for the middle of the work week. We'll keep you updated on it's development, cross your fingers (and toes).

The John Sherburne ski trail has variable conditions. Expect areas of water ice, emerging rocks 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.