Winter has come in with a bang on Mt. Washington. We are just winding down from the first winter storm of the season that deposited 44.5 cm (17.5") of new snow on the Summit and 43 cm (17") of new snow at Hermit Lake on November 4th and 5th. During the day and into the night of the 5th, winds shifted to the west and increased significantly with a peak gust on the Summit of 232kph (145 mph). These very strong and sustained winds blasted snow into the Ravines. It is impressive how one storm can turn things around so quickly. Sizable pockets of snow have formed in strong lee areas of west winds. Keep you avalanche eyes open as these pockets can be very dangerous. This is particularly true in the steep gullies and slopes of Tuckerman and Huntington Ravines for early season ice climbers. As a climber picks their way up a route they will usually cross pockets of snow. Approach these areas with skepticism and be conservative while on them, near them or in their runout zones. It doesn't take much snow to knock you off your feet and depending on how high you are this could be a significant problem.

If you are thinking about heading into the Ravines to go ice climbing realize that the ice has been a little slow to develop this year. As of November 4th there was ice in many areas, however it was generally very thin, poorly attached and surrounded by running water. Colder temperatures are expected to prevail in the mountains during the week of November 7th.

We are in early winter in the high mountains. Don't plan on being able to follow summer trails safely. Trails going through Ravines and Gulfs are collecting snow quickly and will require appropriate winter skills and equipment to negotiate them safely.

Don't wait any longer to refresh your avalanche skills, including rescue techniques. Pull out your beacon, install new batteries, and practice, Practice!, PRACTICE!! ONLY YOU CAN SAVE YOUR BUDDY!! Review your safe travel rules, techniques for assessing snow stability, and sign up for an avalanche course. We will have all the avalanche courses offered in the valley this winter on our website, tuckerman.org very soon.