Huntington Ravine has MODERATE AND CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger. The Escape Hatch, Pinnacle, Damnation, and North Gullies have Moderate avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are unlikely and human triggered avalanches are possible. Use caution in steeper terrain. South, Odell's, Central, and Yale gullies have Considerable avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are possible and human triggered avalanches are probable. Be increasingly cautious in steeper terrain.

The Summit received another cm (.4") of new snow bringing the three day total to 14 cm (5.5 "). The average Summit snow density over the past three days has been 8.7%. At Hermit Lake our snow plot has received 18.5 cm (7.2") of new snow over the past three days with an average density of 9%. The snow began on Saturday with southerly winds. Winds shifted to the west at 10pm on Saturday night and have been out of the NW and WNW for the past 32 hours. Wind speeds have been relatively moderate and are forecasted to be between 72 and 105 kph (45 -65 mph) through the day today. This chain of weather events has led to the current instabilites that exist in both Ravines. We have soft slabs sitting over unconsolidated snow in many locations. Yesterday's field observations found very touchy soft slabs with a lot of elastic energy. We were able to trigger small avalanches on test slopes by walking onto them. We feel that these conditions still exist and that windloading has added more weight to these slabs. Some slopes have had natural avalanche activity due to these conditions, most notably the Lip and Headwall in Tuckerman. Smaller avalanches occured recently in South Gully in Huntington Ravine and possibly in Hillman's Highway in Tuckerman Ravine. The Duchess had a loose snow avalanche as well. Obscured visibility in Tuckerman is preventing us from seeing the whole picture but we wouldn't be surprised if other slopes in there also had recent avalanche activity. In all the areas that we know had avalanche activity, we can see that more snow has been blown in and re-loaded the slope. Another interesting note is that E through S aspects have a buried sun crust buried which is a good sliding surface for the new snow to run on. If your heading into avalanche terrain today be prepared for unstable snow conditions on most slope aspects. Areas posted at Moderate are on the upper end of that rating. These areas have smaller snowfields than those posted at Considerable and there are more anchors present. With that said, remember that human triggered avalanches are possible in these areas. Though the area of instability may be relatively small, the consequences of an avalanche could be severe.

The John Sherburne ski trail has a coat of new powder over mostly hard pack conditions. Anticipate water ice and rocks lurking beneath the new 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.