Huntington Ravine has MODERATE and CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger today. The Escape Hatch has Moderate avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are unlikely and human triggered avalanches are possible. All other forecast areas in Huntington Ravine have Considerable avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are possible and human triggered avalanches are probable. Unstable slabs are probable in steep terrain. Be increasingly cautious in steeper terrain.

A cold front pushing through our region today could bring up to 5 cm (2") of snow to the higher mountains. As it moves in we should see westerly winds steadily increase to their forecasted speeds of 130 kph (80 mph) with gusts up to and possibly exceeding 160 kph (100 mph). As mentioned in yesterday's advisory, there is a lot of snow above treeline that is available for transport. As winds increased yesterday afternoon we observed wind loading in both Ravines and the Summit has reported blowing snow in every observation since 10 am yesterday morning. Today's winds should continue to load snow into both Ravines throughout the day. The new wind slabs that will form today will be adding weight to existing wind slabs that are sitting on a crust layer or loading directly onto the slick crust. In areas where slabs already exist we have seen a distinct weak layer above the crust that consists of rimed crystals, grauple and facets. This weak layer with cold wind slab above it and a slippery crust below it should make travelers weary of pushing their luck in avalanche terrain. If you do head into avalanche terrain and find yourself climbing on the crust layer, do not assume that those conditions will exist throughout that area. Today's winds have the potential to scour some places, especially in Huntington Ravine, as they reach the upper end of their forecasted speeds. However, given the nature of the variable surface conditions you could easily find yourself in an unstable snowfield in the lee of the strong winds.

If you are heading into the mountains today be prepared for deteriorating weather conditions. Along with increasing winds and blowing snow you can expect the temperatures to drop rapidly. Summit temperatures are expected to be around -21 C (-5 F) by early afternoon.

We have been watching the Lion Head Summer trail snowfields get larger with each storm and are getting closer to switching to the Winter Route. Until then use caution when making this traverse and assess snow stability. As always, when you are in avalanche terrain use safe travel practices.

The John Sherburne Ski Trail is improving with every bit of snow we receive. However, expect abrupt waterbars, lots of bushes and rocks hidden under new snow.

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.