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 cornices that hang over the top of both gullies. Today's warm temperatures 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 avalanches 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. Falling ice has occurred consistently over the last several days and will be a strong potential today.

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. This may begin to happen tonight as a cold front passage is expected to end the mild weather we have seen over the past few days. This front passage should also bring a shot of moisture from the SW and W possibly generating some loading onto easterly aspects during the overnight. Although it is anticipated to be light we will keep an eye on it and discuss it tomorrow morning.

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 have been thawing out so icefall potential is the greatest overall hazard in the ravines today. 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.