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 areas 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 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 areas 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.

Through the day yesterday 100kph (60mph) winds moved a bit more low density snow into isolated slopes in the Ravines. Current light snow and winds from the SW and W around 50kph (30mph) should continue this trend today and into Saturday. The forecast is expecting 5cm (2in) of new snow today with an additional 2.5cm (1in) tonight. The most significant snow stability factor for the weekend will occur tomorrow when increasing winds will move additional snow over lower density isolated slabs created today. Right now it appears this will occur through the late morning and in the afternoon on Saturday. Keep this in mind and check the weather forecast tomorrow morning before venturing on the mountain paying close attention to the summit wind speeds and direction.

We are still in early season so instabilities are still isolated as you move from location to location. It is easy to move from rock, to grass, to thick scrub, and then be in the middle of an unstable slope. Keep this in mind and don't be lulled into thinking there are no avalanche issues just because the instabilities are isolated. 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. 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 larger avalanche prone slopes, but it is important to consider the consequences of the area failing. 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.