The summit received 5.8 inches (14.75cm) of new snow in the past 24 hours with a density of 11.4%. This came in with WNW around 60mph (96kph) for the snowfall period before increasing and moving to the NW and NNW after 5pm. Once again this last 24-hour period has been ideal for loading our easterly facing ravines with new instabilities in areas that already have snowfields. These old snowfields will act as the bed surface for any new failures that cause an avalanche. Loading will continue today as winds sharply increase. The tight pressure gradient moving in our direction should send winds back to the West and move at over 100mph (160kph). As the increase occurs expect it to pick up any new snow that was able to survive yesterday's winds. As they hit their peak velocities I would expect them to begin scouring and stabilizing many locations particularly in Huntington. So anticipate instability to increase until this occurs. If the weather forecast holds true you will likely see SOME areas drop a rating or two tomorrow.

Due to the early season cover in most areas expect the instability to vary dramatically from one area to the next. The snowfields that pepper the landscape of the Ravines are separated by brush and rock which both act as anchors and limit the size of fields that are still growing. Therefore you won't find Considerable conditions in all areas, but keep in mind that there are locales that are much more mature than others. Left Gully and Right gully in Tuckerman and the northern gullies in Huntington are examples of forecast areas that are in mid-winter conditions. Many other areas like the Escape hatch the Lower Snowfields and the main Tuckerman Headwall are much further behind. So the larger the snowfield is on easterly aspects the more concern I would have. It is important to re-evaluate stability as you move through your intended terrain and expect it to change constantly. This is especially true during this early season. 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 should be kept in mind if we move back into mild conditions. 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.

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.