Over the past 24 hours the Summit recorded only low drifting snow with no measurable precipitation in the can. However down at Hermit Lake at the 3800 ft level we received 3.5"(9cm). Through discussions with the summit I believe low level clouds just about at the summit elevation, and below, is responsible for the mid elevation accumulations. Snow was focused at the mid-elevation levels as Pinkham Notch received less than an inch (2.5cm). As of 7am we still have limited visibility so the big unknown is at what level down from the summit did measurable snow amounts begin. Being conservative I am assuming avalanche start zones at the 5300 ft level and below picked up 2" to 3" (5-7.5cm) of new snow. The forecast today is calling for an additional 2 inches (5cm) of upslope snow in the mountains which will push total accumulations to 5.5" (14cm) in some areas. Any snow on the ground or falling today will be brought into E and SE facing slopes by NW winds that will move between 55-70 mph (90-110 kph). New deposition will load on a hard icy layer created yesterday following the rain and a rapid drop in temperatures. As forecasted, temperatures went into the teens late Thursday dropping into the single numbers during the overnight. Cold light snow will have a difficult time adhering to this icy surface. Densities were also variable between elevations, but all locations had melted water below 10%. This light snow will move easily with today's expected winds. Avalanche danger and instability will increase through the day and would expect areas to be on the upper end of the Moderate rating into the afternoon. Snow levels will vary dependent on elevation today so expect conditions to vary widely. From year to year I am always impressed what several inches of light density snow with W or NW wind and an icy surface can do to the stability and the avalanche danger. These conditions can be the time to keep your eyes wide open to signs of instability because they can creep up on you. An additional hazard today, and over the weekend, will be hard surface conditions and a falling potential. Have those crampons and ice axe in your quiver ready for action. You should find them quite helpful if venturing onto any snow covered angled terrain. Gore-tex on an icy surface is like an old VW Beetle with bald tires coming down the Mt. Washington Auto Road covered in black ice! An ice axe, crampons, and the knowledge to use them safely are essential for travel in mountaineering terrain.

High pressure is moving in which will clear the clouds out of the area later today and into the evening. Currently it seems a nice weekend is on the way albeit a bit cold first thing in the morning.

The calendar may not say so, but we have mid-winter snow depths in some locations and many avalanche paths are well developed. 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. 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 have 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!