Tuckerman Ravine has Moderate and Low avalanche danger. The Lip, Bowl, Headwall and Left Gully have 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 forecast area in Tuckerman Ravine have Low avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are very unlikely and human triggered avalanches are unlikely except in isolated pockets. Normal caution is advised.

Huntington Ravine has Moderate and Low avalanche danger. Odell's, Pinnacle, Central, Yale and Damnation gullies have Moderate avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are unlikely and human triggered avalanches possible. Unstable slabs are possible in steep terrain. Use caution in steeper terrain. All other forecast area 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.

Over the past 24 hours the Summit has received 19 cm (7.5") of new snow with a mix of freezing rain and rain to give a total of 3.2 cm (1.25") of liquid equivalent from the storm. Strong winds accompanied this storm and the Summit had sustained winds of 160 kph (100 mph) for several hours yesterday with a peak gust of 208 kph (130 mph). We believe these winds blew a lot of the new snow into both Ravines. This storm system paired with on-going snow showers and strong winds in the mountains today have tipped avalanche conditions into the five scale rating system from a general advisory. Visibility in the Ravines is poor today so we can't see exactly how each forecast area was effected by this but we do have stability concerns on lee slopes that had any bed surface on it before this storm. In early season, visibility helps us track the development of snowfields as rocks fill in and pockets begin to unite. Some areas, such as Hillman's Highway, the Lower Snowfields have almost no snow while areas such as Left Gully and Central Gully have filled in during the past storms and offer larger avalanche paths. In between these examples, you will find plenty of snowfields that are continuing to grow. If you are heading into avalanche terrain today keep your eyes on the snow showers that are forecasted for the mountains today. We have been receiving light density snow this morning. If it continues to accumulate be ready for areas posted at Moderate to move to the upper end of the rating leaning towards Considerable. Today's west winds will be perfect for loading in both Ravines.

Remember if the snowfield is large enough to ski or recreate on it's large enough to avalanche. Historically, we tend to have more avalanche accidents during the early season. Many of these accidents have involved ice climbers who enjoy getting out in the Ravines, particularly Tuckerman, before the ice gets buried under snow. A small pocket of snow can seem insignificant compared to large avalanche slopes. When you encounter these it is important to consider the consequences of the pocket avalanching. Safe travel techniques, knowledge of recent weather events and the ability to assess snow stability are crucial skills and information for ice climbers venturing into the Ravines. We have all the avalanche courses offered in and around the Mt. Washington Valley this winter on our website, tuckerman.org.