Huntington Ravine has HIGH avalanche danger today. Natural avalanches and human triggered avalanches are likely. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended. The only exceptions to this rating are Escape Hatch, South and North Gullies which have CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are possible and human triggered avalanches are probable. Be increasingly cautious in steeper terrain.

The last two weeks have been leaving the Snow Rangers with feelings of joy and nostalgia. Remember when every winter was like this? In the last two weeks we've picked up about 145cm(57in) at our snowplots! These thoughts have made us almost forget about the three week drought we had just before. In the last two days we've recorded 31cm(12in) of new snow at both Harvard Cabin & Hermit Lake with densities hovering around 4%. This extremely light snow sat undisturbed yesterday with summit winds averaging around 33kph(20mph) during the daylight hours. Since then winds have shifted to the WNW & NW and they are now on a steady increase with gusts today expected over 97kph(60mph). The combination of strong winds and a foot of light density snow available for transport had us pulling out the High slats this morning. Areas in the direct lee of NW winds will receive the most direct loading today, though all aspects will see snow moving through loading and crossloading. Windslab that is formed will lie over unconsolidated fluff creating a textbook layering of instability. With a dense layer forming above a weak layer and snow showers expected throughout the day I would stay well away from avalanche terrain including the runouts. Walking into the floor of either Ravine puts you into avalanche tracks and at risk of being hurt or killed. Don't forget January's near miss where two climbers got buried in the Fan under similar conditions. The mountain is not always so benevolent! Temperatures are expected to plummet today and arctic conditions should be expected above treeline. Be smart, stay safe!

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.

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.