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 week our snowpack has been very dynamic. It has been so much more interesting to study than the boring pattern we were in before we began getting snow. Today is no exception, with a new air mass in the mountains. Yesterday's unseasonably warm temperatures gave us a shot of rain before changing over to snow. The rain/snow line crept up the mountain as the winds shifted from the SSW to the WNW. Pinkham Notch received all rain while the Summit stayed cold enough to pick up all snow, totaling 10.6 cm (4.2") over the past 24 hours. Hermit Lake received rain from 3:30 to 6:00 pm. Then the temperature dropped from 2C (36F) to -2C (29F) in one hour. Precipitation at Hermit Lake changed over to sleet and then snow with no significant snow accumulations. WNW winds ranging from 72 to 95 kph (45 to 58 mph) have been moving the new snow up high into lee areas, particularly the Lip through Right Gully in Tuckerman Ravine. Instabilities within the new snow are the primary concerns for today, through older slabs with elastic energy may still be found in some areas. Look for new wind slabs on E through S aspects. Summit winds are forecasted to decrease which means the majority of today's loading is occurring now. The new snow has been landing on a variety of surfaces including wind slabs, sun crusts and yesterday's wet snow surfaces that were found lower down in avalanche terrain. It will bond differently with each of these surfaces so be aware of the spatial variability today.

Looking ahead, it seems that small weather disturbances will give the mountains a chance for snow showers on and off through the weekend beginning tonight. Along with these snow showers we will see colder temperatures penetrate into our area. We are starting to keep our eye on a storm that might deliver more snow on Sunday night into Monday. We will keep you posted.

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 is a mix of wind slab and ski tracks encased in a rugged rain crust. To be blunt it is very difficult and won't provide the ideal recreational experience.

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.