Yesterday was another beautiful day as temperatures approached 5 C (40 F) by the afternoon. Skiers and climbers were quite active in both Ravines over the weekend assisting snow settlement through the compaction process. All gullies in Huntington were climbed as foot prints are evidence of a busy couple of days. In Tuckerman skiers tracked up Hillman's Highway, the Duchess, the Lower Snowfields, the Little Headwall, and most areas in the general bowl area particularly the southern aspects. Warm weather is back today and should be the warmest we have seen yet. Expect temperatures above 5C (40F) in the shade at the Hermit Lake elevation. Moderate summit winds should allow areas exposed to the sun in both Tuckerman and Huntington to get quite warm. This will increase the potential for icefall, and although snow has settled over the past few days, wet point release sluffing may occur on southern aspects. North facing aspects that have not received solar gain this week are settling due to warming ambient air temperatures. But you may still find something interesting to look at if you plan on digging in strongly sheltered northern pockets.

Rain showers are forecasted to move in early tomorrow morning. Sources conflict on how temperatures will effect precipitation type in the higher mountains, but it appears we will receive freezing raining moving back to snow near the summits. At midlevel elevations, near the start zones in the Ravines, periods of rain are probable. We will watch these temperature regimes closely as they will be the primary factors in the avalanche potential for Tuesday and Wednesday.

The John Sherburne ski trail has mostly hard pack conditions. Several days of warm midday temperatures are causing an already thin trail to deteriote further. Anticipate water ice and rocks throughout the length of the trail. Be prepared for these hidden hazards and sudden changes.

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.