Huntington Ravine has CONSIDERABLE and MODERATE avalanche danger. Central Gully has Considerable avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are possible and human triggered avalanches are probable. Unstable slabs are probable in steep terrain. Be increasingly cautious in steeper terrain. All other areas 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.

Spatial variability is the primary focus of today's forecast. As Justin put it this morning, "we have a mosaic of conditions". Field observations yesterday found a wide variety of surface and snowpack conditions. Generally speaking, we are concerned about dense slabs sitting over lighter slabs paired with on going wind loading. These conditions are creating potentially unstable snow conditions on a variety of slopes today. These conditions began developing during the storm that passed through on Friday and Friday night. This storm started as snow and changed over to ice pellets and denser snow and even a brief period of freezing rain on some parts of the mountain. The scattered freezing rain has caused for unusually variable snow conditions. At the base of Huntington Ravine yesterday, we measured the crust to be as thick as 1.5 cm. When we went into Tuckerman Ravine to do our assessments we noticed a complete absence of this crust, despite the similar elevation on the mountain. In the areas without the crust we found dense slabs sitting over lighter denisty snow that made us quite concerned about the stability in areas that did not get a crust. Stability in areas that did receive a crust is also a concern for different reasons. Many slopes continue to be loaded with wind deposited snow. In areas where there is a well developed crust, there is a weak interface with the crust and the newly deposited wind slabs. In areas where the crust was not as well developed, we think that increasingly higher NW winds are getting under the crust pulling it up. This is exposing the underlying snow and making it available for wind transport. While we have a lot of different things going on in the snow today, we feel confident that there are instabilities in a variety of areas and with continual wind loading, natural activity could occur in all areas rated Considerable or High. In Huntington Ravine we feel that the gullies are on the upper end of the Moderate rating. So realize that human triggered avalanches are possible. If you are out and about in avalanche terrain today keep your guard up. Although you may find yourself travelling through an area that seems quite stable, don't be fooled that those are the conditions above or below you. You should plan on doing stability assessments in multiple areas so you get an idea of what the bigger picture looks like.

Aside from snow stability concers, Mt. Washington is in usual winter form this morning. At 9 am this morning the summit temperature was -30 C (-22 F) with a gust out of the NW at 171 kph (107 mph). While these conditions are not uncommon on Mt. Washington, it is uncommon for people to be happy in these conditions. The weather should certainly be part of your decision making 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.