Huntington Ravine has 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 yesterday morning with the highest precipitation intensity occuring before noon. Densities increased as warm air aloft moved into the area culminating with ice pellets during the late afternoon. Precipitation rode in on S through SW winds. After the majority of moisture fell, winds shifted and began blowing out of the west around 10 pm last night. Hermit Lake picked up 9cm (3.5in) of 23% snow as of 6:00am this morning. Ice pellets and a brief temperature of up to 2C (35-36F) overnight settled new snow down to this mornings 24 hour observation. Before settling, snow depths hovered between 10-11.5 cm (4-4.5 in). Currently, the "crust" developed by yesterdays icing is the primary stability factor. This crust is extremely variable due to pockets of icing that weren't consistent over the mountain. At Pinkham (2000 ft) a crust of 2-5 mm sat over new snow, at the Harvard cabin (3500 ft) a 5 mm crust existed, here at Hermit Lake (3900ft) a 0-3mm crust was found and at 4100 ft. in Huntington a consistent 15mm crust was measured. At roughly the same elevation between Tuckerman and Huntington Ravines, less than 1 mile apart the crust difference is substantial. Discussing this situation with the summit crew this crust appears to subside with elevation above the ravines. I bring all this up to express the variablity of the current snowpack stability. The thicker the crust the greater the tensile strength of the slope. But due to the varied nature of the crust thickness I believe the spatial variablity of the snowpack is something to watch today. In areas of thin crust or no crust you should find an inverted snowpack with heavy slabs over lighter densities causing instability. However, areas of thick crust 1.5+ cm will bring along with them a greater degree of stability. Snow showers are forecasted through the day with dropping temperatures and increasing winds. So be prepared for any new loading to fall on a slick crust or areas of dense slabs with a rougher surface. This will cause the crust to become the determining factor for instability rather than stability. Therefore, there is lot to watch and realize stability may change quickly from area to area as you move about 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.