Huntington Ravine has MODERATE and LOW avalanche danger. Central Gully 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. All other gullies in Huntington Ravine have Low avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are very unlikely and human triggered avalanches are unlikely except in isolated pockets. Normal caution is advised.

Another batch of cold Arctic air entered our region last night. The snowfall associated with the front didn't play out as we hoped and we only received a trace of snow. Our new air mass is dry and is allowing for clear skies this morning. We have had excellent visibility into both Ravines today. In Huntington Ravine we saw that the new snow in many of the gullies has blown out and instabilites are limited to isolated pockets, with the exception of Central Gully which is more consistently loaded. If you head into Huntington today keep your eye out for signs of instability as isolated pockets can be found in a variety of places, including the approaches to the routes. The areas of most concern in Tuckerman Ravine are the Lip and the Sluice. They are loaded with very smooth and undisturbed wind slab. As you head south in Tuckerman, snowfields become more wind effected. While Left Gully, the Lower Snowfields and the Little Headwall are posted at Low today, it is important to remember this doesn't mean no avalanche danger. We feel that there are areas of instability in these locations, however, they are small in size and qualify as "isolated pockets". Just because these pockets may be relatively small, doesn't mean they can't ruin your day. All forecast areas have their own stability issues. By choosing you routes wisely, doing stability tests and practicing safe travel techniques we think that you can find an area that is reasonable to travel in. It is important to remember that we received new snow every day this week with W and NW winds. These conditions have laid down multiple layers of windslab and cold temperatures are not allowing them to stabilize quickly.

Be prepared for very cold conditions in the mountains today. The current summit temperature is -32 C (-23 F) with a NW wind at 110 kph (70 mph). These conditions result in a wind chill factor of -54 C (-64 F). Wind speeds are expected to be 120 to 150 kph (75 to 95 mph) with higher gusts. Make sure you don't have any exposed skin above treeline and don't be afraid to turn around.

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.