Huntington Ravine has 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.

Over the past 24 hours the Summit has received 1 cm (.4") of new snow with snow showers expected through the morning hours. These snow showers will be accompanied by west winds 95 to 130 kph (60 to 80 mph) this morning and then they are expected to shift to the NW and diminish. While we shouldn't see much in the way of new snow accumulation today, it is enough to load into lee areas and add to existing slabs. If you are heading into avalanche terrain today expect a wide variety of surface conditions. We had a brief period of visibility into the Ravines yesterday afternoon and saw that some areas had been scoured down to the rain crust by high winds. Other areas, particularly on the north side of Tuckerman Ravine, were quite loaded and old fracture lines had filled in partially or completely. From the center of the Bowl to the Sluice are the areas of most concern today due to the size and consistency of the slabs. In many areas posted at Moderate you will find a mix of rain crust and slabs sitting on the rain crust for surface conditions. Realize that these variable conditions exist so don't let your guard down! Good route finding skills will pay off in many areas posted at Moderate today. You should be suspicious of any slabs sitting over the rain crust.

A very slippery rain crust that is exposed in a variety areas. Mountaineers should be aware of the potential for long sliding falls to occur on steep terrain if self-arrest is not achieved quickly. Conditions under the new snow are 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. 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.