Over the past 24 hours the Summit has recorded .9" (2.3 cm) of new snow with a water equivalent of .32" (.8 cm). The last of the moisture that fell on the mountains was in the form of rain. Summit temperatures spiked early this morning reaching a high of 35 F (2 C) and are now back below freezing. This will cause whatever free water there is in the snowpack to freeze up. This process is helping the snowpack stabilize. Temperatures will continue to fall as two cold fronts cross the region today and tonight. We can expect temperatures on the summits to drop through the teens today and winds will be out of the west between 40 and 60 mph (65 and 95 kph) with higher gusts. Snow showers are expected to accompany the approaching cold fronts with insignificant accumulations. However, as mountain weather can be unpredictable, you need to monitor these snow showers though the day. If we see measurable accumulation we will see loading on easterly aspects and the potential for unstable slabs to develop. At this time it appears that high pressure will dominated the weather over the weekend.

The calendar may not say so, but we have mid-winter snow depths in some locations and many avalanche paths are well developed. If you are planning a trip you need to be ready to deal with full winter conditions including avalanche terrain. While traveling in avalanche terrain you need to be mindful of changing conditions. You may travel through snowfields broken by rocks and bushes and quickly enter a larger snow slope. Both should be treated with respect during times of instability. If a snowfield is big enough to recreate on it's big enough to avalanche.

As is typical this time of the year we have been in and out of warm weather so icefall potential should be kept in mind. 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 icefall.

Don't wait any longer to refresh your avalanche skills. Pull out your beacon, practice, and spend a couple bucks on a fresh set of high quality batteries. Review your safe travel rules, techniques for assessing snow stability, and sign up for an avalanche course. We now have all the avalanche courses offered in the Valley this winter on our website, tuckerman.org. Sign yourself or a loved one up now!