Huntington Ravine has LOW and MODERATE avalanche danger. The Escape Hatch, South Gully, O'Dell's and Pinnacle have Low avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are very unlikely and human triggered avalanches are unlikely except in isolated pockets. Normal caution is advised. All other forecast areas in Huntington Ravine have 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 Hermit Lake has received 4 cm (1.5") of very light density snow. Winds today will be northerly and increasing to 50 to 80 kph (30 to 50 mph) this afternoon. This combination of new light density snow and increasing winds are why we are posting many areas at Moderate today. I realize that 4 cm isn't a lot of snow but this season has amazed us with what low snow totals and the right winds can do when you have such poor cohesion above treeline. I expect that all of the new snow is available for wind transport and in many locations it will be trying to bond to that pesky icy layer. With the exception of Right Gully and the Lip, most areas posted at Moderate have not reached their forecasted rating at this time. We expect this to gradually occur today as the winds pick up and begin loading the new snow. The new snow will be loading on loose unconsolidated snow on top of a hard surface in many places. This is a great combination for unstable slab development. South aspects will be in the direct lee of the forecasted north winds. Some of these areas could be at the upper end of their forecasted rating by the end of the day. Areas that are not in the direct lee of north winds, including those posted at Low, may receive new snow through cross-loading. Watch out for isolated pockets of instability in areas posted at Low. As mentioned, the north side of Tuckerman Ravine has lingering instabilities that are still a concern. Additional loading today will add weight and stress to their snowpack. A good rule of thumb in our current snowpack is to stay on the old icy surface whenever possible. If you are climbing a gully today, realize that snow conditions may change as you climb higher. Specifically, you may find the old surface down low but be blocked by new wind slab at the top of the gully.

Very hard icy surface conditions exist in many places on the mountain under thin snow cover. 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 hidden hazards such as water ice and rocks.

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.