Last week's weather created the first layers of this season's snowpack. Some of the start zones, like those for Left Gully, the Chute and many of the Huntington Gullies, developed sizeable pockets of wind deposited snow. The same can be said for a few areas much lower as well due to the strong winds which gusted to 232kph (145mph). As is often the case during wind events, some areas got heavily scoured. Thus you will need to keep your eyes on the spatial variability if traveling in avalanche terrain. Depending on what the next couple of weather events hold for the mountain, watch for the switch to the 5 Scale Danger Rating System in the near future.

Regional forecasts are backing away from the earlier talk of a big storm for today and tomorrow. It seems that warm air aloft will bring rain to most areas including the mountain but change over to snow by this afternoon. Although precipitation accumulation is not forecasted to be great you should pay attention to what the winds may do with any snow that falls. Stay alert for those isolated pockets that can have dramatic consequences in this early season regime.

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. Cold temperatures have begun the growth but most routes are not yet in shape and provide scrappy mixed climbing. Although a few lines have been done this season most climbers have reported thin detached ice with little or no protection.

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.