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.

The Summit received another 1.8 cm (.7") of 7% snow over the past 24 hours. Yesterday morning through 9:00 pm last night, winds were out of the WNW and then shifted to the W and have been from that direction since 11:00 pm last night. Wind speeds on the summit have been in the range of 80 to 110 kph (50 to 70 mph) during this period. You may notice that several areas in Tuckerman went up a rating since yesterday. As yesterday's advisory indicated, forecasts were on the upper end of their rating, particularly those areas forecasted at Moderate. With the additional new snow combined with ideal densities, wind speeds and directions for loading on E and ESE aspects, we feel that Right Gully, Left Gully and Hillman's have earned their way into the Considerable rating. As for Huntington Ravine, snowfields and gullies are generally smaller than those in Tuckerman and Huntington does not tend to receive as much wind transported snow as Tuckerman. This is why we feel Huntington is still within the paramaters of Moderate. However, many areas are on the upper end of that rating and we feel that there is a strong potential for human triggered avalanches in many locations in Huntington Ravine. Do not take avalanche conditions lightly today. We have been receiving light density snow all week and winds have been ideal for loading it into the Ravines.

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 week's 19 cm of new snow. I feel that any measurable amount of new snow combined with additional wind loading could push areas into the next higher rating, especially those currently posted at Moderate.

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.