Huntington Ravine has both MODERATE and LOW avalanche danger. Yale and Damnation have Moderate avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are unlikely and human triggered avalanches are possible. Use caution in steeper terrain. All other areas in Huntington have Low avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are very unlikely and human triggered avalanches are unlikely EXCEPT IN ISOLATED POCKETS. Normal caution is advised.

Both Ravines have isolated pockets of instability with in the Low rating so "except in isolated pockets" is important to remember. The Moderate rating in Yale and Damnation exists because of yesterday's consistent loading with NW winds and particularly due to the cornices that hang over the top of each gully. Today's solar gain will once again have the ability to weaken these cornices threatening to send them down the fall line. This could also have the potential to cause a natural avalanche as cornices are the bombs of the backcountry. Even though under a Moderate rating natural avalanche's are unlikely they are still capable of occurring. This is especially true with additional factors like collapsing cornices or falling ice so keep this in mind when traveling in these areas. Winds didn't subside as forecasted yesterday so although consolidation did progress it was much slower than I had anticipated. Falling ice did occur over the weekend in numerous locations and should continue while warmer weather hangs in there.

Skiers and climbers did get out around the Ravines over the weekend. On Saturday they found mostly stable conditions with some shooting cracks in isolated areas. Yesterday provided firmer conditions as a melt freeze cycle occurred and high winds continued to scour many areas. By the end of the day skiers had tracked most areas in Tuckerman and several climbers had ventured up both Central and made an attempt at Pinnacle. The Pinnacle team appropriately backed off their scratchy climb when a portion of ice and snow collapsed under them. Keep this in mind when attempting routes during this year's early winter. Although we have unbelievable snow coverage routes haven't had much of a chance to mature. We need consistent cold temperatures to form ice which will fill in routes with something to swing into and protect well.

It is important to constantly re-evaluate stability as you move through your intended terrain. If a snowfield is big enough to recreate on it's big enough to avalanche.

ICEFALL- As is typical this time of the year we are beginning to thaw out a bit so icefall potential is the greatest overall hazard in the ravines today. In addition to icefall hazards ice protection will melt out rapidly as you place a warm screw into melting ice. Many folks have been injured and killed by falling ice so pay attention to where you are, and don't linger when under ice. Have a plan in mind about what you will do and where you will go if ice comes down. Station yourself near a large rock to duck behind in the event of ice fall.

GENERAL TRAVEL- Don't wait any longer to refresh your avalanche skills. Pull out your beacon and practice. Review your safe travel rules, techniques for assessing snow stability, and sign up for an avalanche course. We will have all the avalanche courses offered in the valley this winter on our website, tuckerman.org very soon.