Huntington Ravine has 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.

We finally got a view into the Ravines this morning. Although it was short lived and partly obscured by clouds, it told us a lot about what is going on with the snow today. Muted fracture lines were visible on the left side of the Headwall and in Chute Variation in Tuckerman and below the ice bulge on Central Gully in Huntington. I am confident that more avalanches occured in Tuckerman and that their fracture lines have filled in. The summit recorded another 3.8 cm (1.5") of 9% snow over the last 24 hours. The past three days of "snow showers" have added up to just over 17 cm (6.5") of new snow. The best part about this is the snow densities have been between 7.5 and 9%. This has allowed the westerly winds to blow it all into the Ravines. Most forecast areas still have smooth slabs on them and you should be very suspicious of their stability. Many areas posted at Moderate are on the upper end of that forecast rating. The slabs that are in these areas may only need your body weight to tip the balance between slab strength and shear stress. If you plan on heading into avalanche terrain I encourge you to keep you avalanche eyes wide open and practice safe travel techniques. If you blindly stomp up the fan to climb Yale gully I think you could get yourself into trouble. The approaches to Harvard Bulge, Yale, Damnation and North Gullies are loaded with new wind slab. This is only an example of an area of concern today. Again, most forecast areas have potentially unstable slabs on them. Another concern is the limited visibility in the Ravines today. While you may be doing your best to travel safely, you won't know who or what is above you.

Keep a close eye on the weather today. The summit forecast is calling for snow showers in the mountains. No significant accumulation is expected but this is the same type of forecast that has resulted in this weeks 17 cm of new snow. I feel that any measurable amount of new snow combined with additional wind loading could push many areas into their next higher rating. So areas posted at Moderate could enter the Considerable rating and areas posted Considerable could go back up to High.

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.