All forecast areas in Huntington Ravine have LOW avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are very unlikely and human triggered avalanches are unlikely except in isolated pockets. Normal caution is advised.

We were impressed with the amount of snow transport without much new snow at any elevation on the mountain. But sustained winds out of the NW at 95kph (60mph) through the day brought the 2.5cm (1in) of snow from Wednesday into lee locales from the windward side of the mountain. The largest areas of slab deposition exist in the Lip and Sluice and some new loading is still transpiring. As this continues today expect these areas and other similar aspects to be on the upper end of the rating. Some strong lee SE/E aspects may come close to "Considerable". Two factors played dominant roles in this occurring. First there is still a great deal of hard icy crust above treeline that snow subject to high winds is having a difficult time adhering to. And second, low density snow has an easier time being picked up by moderate winds. Once aloft it's transport continues until it has a reason to stop. Right now due to icy surfaces above treeline that isn't until lee areas on the E side of the mountain. This theme seems to have been our overwhelming factor this season influencing snow stability. Low snowfall accumulations within a 24 hour period with moderate winds and an icy surface above treeline often combine to cause instability problems. We have been amazed all season what snow totals we have been concerned about. When we get as little as 2.5cm (1in) or less my hackles seem to go up. This seems absolutely ridiculous, but time and time again we have witnessed substantial loading occurring with just such a scenario. On multiple occasions we have observed natural avalanche cycles being generated with 7.5cm (3in) of snow. This won't always happen of course as each weather maker plays out differently, but the point is any snow amount should not become trivialized. Pay attention to how any amount of snow plays out on the ground. In addition Wednesday's field observations found early facets at the interface between the old ice layer and the slab from earlier in the week. If these continue to grow we could see deteriorating stability in some of these slabs over the next few days.

Well there's no denying it. It's cold. As of this morning the summit was -32C(-25F) while at Hermit Lake we hovered around -24C(-10F). It will be similar through the weekend with the coldest temperatures likely occurring Saturday morning. If you are planning a trip to the mountains you better come prepared! Arctic clothing and the knowledge of how to take care of yourself in extreme conditions is vital.

Very hard icy surface conditions exist in most places on the mountain. Crampons and an ice axe are a must for safe travel on any angled terrain. With that said self arrest will be very difficult so move slow and methodically.

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 improved with new drifted snow, but you should still expect some hidden hazards.

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.