Huntington Ravine has MODERATE and CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger. Central Gully has Considerable avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are POSSIBLE and human triggered avalanches are PROBABLE. Unstable slabs are probable on steep terrain. Be increasingly cautious in steeper terrain. All other gullies in Huntington Ravine have Moderate avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are unlikely and human triggered avalanches are possible. Unstable slabs are possible on steep terrain. Use caution in steeper terrain.

Snow began at 7 am this morning on Mt. Washington. This is the start to a storm that is forecasted to bring 7.5 to 15 cm (3-6") of snow by tomorrow morning. Additional accumulation from scattered snow showers is possible as the storm winds down. Today's snow will be accompanied by increasing SW winds that are forecasted to reach 80 to 112 kph (50-70 mph) this afternoon. New snow and wind loading are the primary reasons why many areas are posted at Considerable. Most of these areas are currently at Moderate, however, we feel that they will move into the Considerable rating today due to the new snow and wind loading that is likely to occur. With SW winds, expect loading to occur on NE aspects, such as the tops of Hillman's Highway and Left Gully in Tuckerman and the Escape Hatch and South, O'dell and Pinnacle Gullies in Huntington Ravine. Cross-loading will also effect other areas in both ravines. Tomorrow morning winds are forecasted to shift to the NW and increase through the day. This is ideal for moving all the new snow into the ravines. Don't expect the avalanche danger to subside by tomorrow.

It is important to remember that today's new snow is not the only thing to be concerned about. Yesterday, strong NW and NNW winds continued loading many areas in both ravines with snow which created new wind slabs. A fracture line is visible this morning on the Lip in Tuckerman Ravine and we suspect that other avalanches occured but the fracture lines have filled in. Yesterday in Huntington Ravine a climber triggered and avalanche in South Gully and was buried up to his waist. Instabilites from this last snow/wind event are still lingering so keep you eyes open for these if you are heading into avalanche terrain today.

The John Sherburne ski trail has new snow over water ice, rocks and hard pack snow. Though the surface looks good be prepared for these hidden hazards and 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.