Huntington Ravine has CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are possible and human triggered avalanches are probable. Be increasingly cautious in steeper terrain.

So far we've made it through the storm without any rain or freezing rain! At Hermit Lake we recorded 16cm(6.3in) of new snow and at Harvard we received 22cm(8.5in)! This new snow came in with S winds that are now beginning their shift to the W and are expected to blow 81-113kph(50-70mph) throughout the day. Areas with N and E aspects are of the greatest concern where new windslab is being formed over older windslab layers from the past week. In both ravines the areas with these aspects are currently on the upper end of their forecasted rating. The forecast for the day calls for snow showers to taper off and snow seems to have momentarily ceased as I write. As the day moves along we may see a decrease in the avalanche danger as natural activity becomes less likely. Don't count it out of the picture though as the forecasted winds may be just enough to push the new snow around. Blue skies are expected for the afternoon but don't let them lure you out onto these dangerous slopes. Remember the definition of Considerable is "human triggered avalanches are probable." Avalanches don't care how nice of a day it is!

Our total snowfall accumulation for the past week in the Ravines is now over 1m(3.2ft)! Recent field observations have shown lots of debris left from the past cycles and we'll wait to see what this latest snow adds. Take a look at some of the most recent pictures on our website to see big debris piles and the drastic facelift that areas like Right Gully received.

THE LION HEAD WINTER ROUTE IS OPEN. Mountaineering skills and equipment are required on this route. Crampons and an ice axe are a must for safe travel on Mount Washington. The John Sherburne Ski Trail has variable conditions from deep powder to hard windslab to icy surfaces. New England skiing at its finest!

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.