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.

In both Tuckerman and Huntington Ravines the areas posted at Low do have isolated pockets of instability. Realize that "Low" does NOT mean "none".

The summit picked up 1.25cm (.5in) of new snow in the past 24 hours that was accompanied by W winds averaging 96 kph(60mph). Before it started snowing we got our first views into the ravines after several days of blowing snow, freezing fog, and obscured skies. High winds have scoured many areas in Huntington and some in Tuckerman such as Left Gully. These high winds also moved snow down low into the ravines creating some instability in approaches and areas such as the slight gully on viewer's left of Lunch Rocks. It appears that the Lip, Chute and Left Gully most likely avalanched early in the weather event and then reloaded in such a way to conceal most fracture lines and debris piles. Much of the new snow did stay in place however and today's Tuckerman looks very different than it did a week ago. Had the 30cm (12in) of snow from the past week all fallen in one day the reaction of the existing slabs would have surely been different. Yesterday's field observations found thick and hard windslab in most areas that were in the lee of the past few days' strong winds. In some places a pencil-hard slab up to a meter thick (39.4in) covered an old crust layer. The bridging strength of such a slab is much greater than the softer or thinner slabs that likely exist in other areas such as E and ESE aspects. The mild temperatures forecasted for the next few days will help to stabilize these slabs. Keep an eye on incoming precipitation as snow showers are expected for most of the week. If the snowpack is subject to rapid loading it will not likely react the same as it has in the past week and we may see more widespread avalanche activity.

The John Sherburne ski trail has soft and drifted 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.