Huntington Ravine has LOW and MODERATE avalanche danger. The Escape Hatch, South Gully, O'Dell, Pinnacle, Damnation 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. Central and Yale Gullies 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.

The main stability concern today is new snow being loaded into the Ravines as this advisory is being posted. Over the past 24 hours the Summit has received 6.1 cm (2.4") of 10% snow. Yesterday morning the Summit recorded 12.2 cm (4.8") of 4% snow, which began moving into the Ravines, particularly Tuckerman Ravine, around 2 pm yesterday afternoon with increasing west winds. Since then winds have increased and are forecasted to be NW 95 to 130 kph (60 to 80 mph) for most of the day. Winds are forecasted to diminish to 48 kph (30 mph) later in the day. Until then we expect loading to continue, which has caused most areas in Tuckerman to move to Considerable. With on-going loading we feel it is possible to see natural avalanche activity in some areas. The potential for natural activity will diminish as wind loading subsides, however, there could be plenty of new and touchy slabs out there waiting for the right trigger. Don't let it be you! Approach any avalanche terrain cautiously today and expect new winds slabs in all lee aspects to westerly winds. In Huntington Ravine winds have exposed some old surface and we are not seeing as much new wind slab there as we are in Tuckerman. With that said, there are pockets of new snow in many areas posted at Low in Huntington. Treat these isolated pockets with respect.

In addition to new snow we expect ARCTIC CONDITIONS TODAY! YOU SHOULD BE COMPLETELY PREPARED WITH ARCTIC CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT. The current Summit temperature is -27C (-16 F) with a steady west wind at 96 kph (61 mph) giving the top of the mountain a wind chill of -54F. BRRRRRR.

The mountain was busy yesterday and many forecast areas received skier and climber traffic. My observations of people traveling in avalanche terrain were a bit disheartening. I spoke with several groups of people who were seeking stability information. Some groups were wearing beacons, performing beacon checks and asking about the snowpack. These are all great things to see. However, many parties who were doing the right thing blew it as soon as they began climbing. They were all climbing together, in a line, exposing the entire group to avalanche hazards. The beacons they were wearing wouldn't help them self rescue if they all got avalanched at once, which is the exact hazard they were leaving open as a possibility. We see this a lot up here and I want to remind everyone that safe travel techniques are probably the single best skill you can have when you are in avalanche terrain. Travel one at a time on suspect slopes so your partners can rescue you if anything were to happen. You should always be looking for signs of instability and re-evaluating the snowpack constantly. Be honest with yourself about what you really know about the stability of the snow where you are and above you.

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.