Huntington Ravine has LOW and MODERATE avalanche danger. The Escape Hatch, Pinnacle, and North Gully 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 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.

As many areas drop a rating in both Ravines we are still watching deep instabilities stabilize after close to 1.2m (4ft) of snow over the past week. Much of this precipitation was associated with our prevailing SW through N winds which changed our lee snow cover tremendously. The next concern are small quick shots of snow over the next 5 days with moderate to high winds. Today's cold front should bring 2.5cm (1in) to the higher mountains with a quick drop in temperatures. Saturday night may bring us another 5cm (2in) into Sunday morning. Any new snow loading will load on a variety of surfaces due to the wind, ice pellets, rain, and new snow we have received over the past week. It will bond differently with each of these surfaces so be aware of the spatial variability with subsequent precipitation events. Multiple snow stability tests will tell you much more than one. If you're approaching new terrain use safe travel techniques protocols even if you feel it's stable based on earlier tests down the mountain. Sticking with the protocols will save your butt over the long haul. Always remember the fire breathing dragon is lurking under there! Sometimes he's sleeping and sometimes he wants to come out and play. Don't taunt him. Let him sleep, you'll be better off for it.

In addition to new snow we expect ARCTIC CONDITIONS FOR THE WEEKEND! YOU SHOULD BE COMPLETELY PREPARED WITH ARCTIC WEATHER MOUNTAINEERING CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT. TEMPERATURES SHOULD GO TO -26C TO -28C (-15F TO -18F) TONIGHT WITH INCREASING WINDS TO 65-80KPH (40-50MPH). TEMPERATURES SHOULD REBOUND AND CRAWL UP TO -20C (-5F)DURING SATURDAY AFTERNOON. SATURDAY NIGHT TEMPERATURES WILL DROP AGAIN TO AROUND -29C (-20F). DURING THE EARLY MORNING HOURS ON SUNDAY NW WINDS SHOULD INCREASE TO ROUGHLY 113KPH (70MPH). USE CAUTION, BE SMART, REMEMBER THE MOUNTAIN WILL ALWAYS BE HERE.

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. With this past week's snow and more coming snowshoes are recommended for all areas except trails known to be packed. 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.