Huntington Ravine has LOW and MODERATE avalanche danger today. Escape Hatch has Low avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are very unlikely and human triggered avalanches are unlikely EXCEPT IN ISOLATED POCKETS. Normal caution is advised. All other forecast areas in Huntington have Moderate avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are unlikely and human triggered avalanches are possible. Use caution in steeper terrain.

As has been the case for what seems like a couple of weeks now, the mountain received more snow overnight. The snowfall total for the 24 hour period was less than 1.5cm (.5in) but it was of a very low density. Why does this matter you ask? Well, because even the slightest of breezes is able to relocate it. Adding into the equation today is the crust that formed on Saturday. This crust is slick enough that new snow is having a difficult time forming a bond to it. Imagine the top of a gully where light snow has fallen onto this crust during the calmer hours. When today's wind increases it should blow snow into the wind-sheltered parts of the gully forming a slabby layer that is denser than the fluffy snow that it covers. This new layer and the weak interfaces between the various upper layers are what concern us. Instability has mostly been confined to isolated pockets but is expected to spread today as the winds increase and we receive additional snow. Throughout the day you are likely to find exposed crust in relatively close proximity to deep drifts and windslab. Due to this spatial variability you'll have to be vigilant about your assessments if traveling in avalanche terrain today. Forecasts are calling for W winds to 80kph (50mph) and snow totals of 2.5-5cm (1-2in). Tonight's forecast is calling for more of the same! Currently we are just below or moving into the Moderate rating. We anticipate the instability and associated avalanche danger to rise through the day. If winds and/or snowfall meets or exceeds the upper end of the forecast then you should expect the rating to move toward the Considerable rating in strong lee areas.

Over the next few days we will be closely monitoring the possibility of rapid facet growth beneath the thick crust. Temperatures are anticipated to plummet in the mountains beginning tomorrow. This will generate massive temperature gradients with the crust inhibiting upward vapor movement. Vapor will then likely recrystalize and may become a future weak layer particularly in areas with thinner crusts. Check back over the next few days and we'll keep you posted.

The John Sherburne Ski Trail is improving with every bit of snow we receive. It is still undoubtedly in early season condition and you can expect abrupt waterbars, lots of bushes and rocks hidden under new snow. A beefy crust should make it a bit more challenging so be prepared for less than ideal conditions.

Remember if the snowfield is large enough to ski or recreate on it's large enough to avalanche. As always, this advisory is one more tool to help you make your own decisions in avalanche terrain. It should be use 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. To improve these skills take an avalanche course. We have all the avalanche courses offered in and around the Mt. Washington Valley this winter on our website, tuckerman.org.