Huntington Ravine has CONSIDERABLE and MODERATE avalanche danger. Central, Yale and Damnation Gullies have 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 forecast areas in Huntington Ravine have Moderate avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are unlikely and human triggered avalanches are possible. Unstable slabs are possible in steep terrain. Use caution in steeper terrain.

Over the past 24 hours the summit has recorded 9.4 cm (3.7") of new snow with a density of 8%. At Hermit Lake we recorded 9 cm (3.5") of new snow with a density of 7.8%. What has caught our forecasting eyes today is the new light density snow and the steady west winds that have accompanied this snow. Since this snow began to fall at 9 am yesterday morning, the winds have been out of the west. Up until 4 am this morning the wind speeds were ranging about 65 to 90 kph (40 to 55 mph). At 6 am this morning they increased to 110 kph (68 mph). The summit forecast is calling for scattered snow showers with west winds 88 to 120 kph (55-75 mph). While our snow fall totals are not impressive, we do feel that significant loading has occured and will continue to occur in the Ravines, especially in lee areas of W and NW winds. The 24 hour observation prior to today's recorded 1.25 cm (.5") of new snow and snow showers are forecasted for the summits today. So there is more snow available for transport than the 9.4 cm that we received since yesterday morning. If you decide to enter avalanche terrain today, expect to find newly deposited and unstable slabs in most forecast areas.

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.