Huntington Ravine has LOW and MODERATE avalanche danger. The Escape Hatch 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.

We seem to be back into that unique pattern we were in earlier in the season. Yesterday the NWS forecasted 2.5cm (1in) and the summit picked up 12.5cm (4.9in) of 4% snow for the 24 period. These quick moving systems are very tricky to deal with and it accentuates that it is critical you use this advisory with exactly what is happening in the field. If it's snowing hard... well.. then it's snowing hard. Don't let a weather forecast that says it will flurry briefly convince it is not snowing hard. This sounds awful obvious, but as recreationalists we want to believe we are going to have a wonderful day even the forecast says so. The natural world will always keep us on our toes. With as much technology that the national weather forecast centers have at their disposal it doesn't always play out as the models predict. Due to this higher snowfall amount there is a shallow fracture line in the Lip this morning. Based on the hourly reports from the summit I believe this was a natural avalanche that failed possibly between 9pm last night and 3 to 4am this morning. Based on this information there is a good chance that low density snow created thin "touchy" slabs in some strong lee pockets. It is a good day to keep your radar on alert.

There is a good possibility that this "higher than forecasted snow amounts" will happen again late today into this evening. The higher summit forecast is calling for snow showers being likely with water equivalents potentially producing another light 7.5-10cm (3-4in) of snow. W to NW winds are expected to increase this afternoon possibly associated with the expected snow. Watch for the loading potential to increase this afternoon. It is possible that some areas in the direct lee of new snow deposition may be pushing the upper end of their rating later today potentially moving to the next rating. Some examples of this are the Lip through Right gully in Tuckerman and Central Gully in Huntington all of which may move to Considerable if winds and precipitation exceed the forecast. 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.

In addition to new snow we expect ARCTIC CONDITIONS THROUGH THE LONG HOLIDAY WEEKEND! YOU SHOULD BE COMPLETELY PREPARED WITH ARCTIC WEATHER MOUNTAINEERING CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT. Temperatures will be dropping to around -26C (-15F) tonight and then warming up slightly Sunday night. Snow is once again expect Sunday into Monday that has the potential to bring us at least 10cm (4in), possibly more.

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 has good coverage with broken up crust.

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.