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

The Summit received 2.8cm (1.1in) since yesterday making a total of 13.2cm (5.2in) in the past 48hrs. We picked up another 5cm (2.5in) here at Hermit Lake giving us 24.1cm (9.5in) for the same period. The weather forecast is expecting snow showers over the next 48 hours so anticipate additional accumulation and loading to what we have already received. Loading began in earnest 30 hours ago when winds shifted from the ENE to the NE. This began loading southerly aspects as the winds slowly continued to move to the NW through yesterday. Since then winds have moved back and forth a bit between the NW and WNW which have done a nice job loading SE through easterly aspects. Winds are expected to move to the W later today and diminish a bit from the 145+kph (90+mph) gusts we are currently receiving. I believe these high winds have made variable surface conditions, particularly in Huntington. There are likely some scoured areas right next to unstable slabs which can make safe travel difficult with the current limited visibility. Visibility in both Ravines, and the entire mountain, should stay obscured with blowing snow and clouds today.

I expect new snow loading to continue through daylight hours in both Ravines. Based on the extensive loading we endured over the past 24 hours some natural avalanche activity has likely occurred. For most of our forecasted areas natural activity is both "possible" and "likely". So until we begin clearing we will wait to enter avalanche runout paths to look at debris and fracture lines.

Mountaineers should be ready for very icy snow slopes under new light density snow. There is a potential for long sliding falls to occur if self-arrest is not achieved quickly. Off trail explorers should certainly have snowshoes; otherwise you probably won't get very far due to the breakable crust under the new snow. Conditions under the new snow is very hard and icy all visitors should be prepared with crampons and an ice axe.

THE LION HEAD SUMMER TRAIL IS NOW CLOSED DUE TO THE AVALANCHE PRONE SLOPES JUST BELOW TREELINE. THE LION HEAD WINTER ROUTE IS OPEN. Mountaineering skills and equipment are required for safe travel on this route.

The John Sherburne Ski Trail has mixed surface conditions with both a very icy rain crust and new snow. High winds have scoured some locations down to ice while user compaction has preserved some snow in others. So be prepared for occasional hard slick conditions. Expect some rocks, bushes and waterbars.

As always, this advisory is one more tool to help you make your own decisions in avalanche terrain. It should be used 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.