Huntington Ravine has LOW avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are very unlikely and human triggered avalanches are unlikely EXCEPT in isolated pockets. Normal caution is advised.

We finally have a clear day here on Mt. Washington. Views into both Ravines have given us good information about our snow surface. We can see old rain crust exposed in many locations and new slabs in areas in the strong lee of westerly winds, especially in Tuckerman Ravine. The primary stability concerns today are slabs sitting over a slippery rain crust. The areas of most concern are on the north side of Tuckerman Ravine. This is because they have received the most loading and have the largest slabs. Realize that isolated pockets of new snow exist in many areas posted at Low. You should be suspicious of any new snow you come across in you travels in avalanche terrain. A good example of an isolated pocket that I would think twice about is in the top of Left Gully. Keep you eyes out for these and stay on old surface whenever possible.

A winter storm is heading our way and should arrive early tomorrow morning. It looks as though it will be another "wintry mix" giving us snow, freezing rain and possibly a brief change over to rain in the mountains. Accumulation amounts are uncertain but the forecast is calling for as much as .42" of liquid equivalent. The temperatures will determine how much of that comes in as snow. Winds will shift to the SW tonight and increase to around 80-95 kph (50-60 mph) by the morning hours. With this in mind you should expect increasing avalanche danger through the day tomorrow.

A very slippery rain crust 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.