Yesterday's weather didn't give the mountains the snow they deserved. Warm air aloft entered into the picture early causing snow to change over to freezing rain during the morning hours before changing to rain late yesterday. The Summit recorded .43" (1 cm) of water equivalent and only .3" (.75 cm) of snow. Hermit Lake recorded 1.1" (2.8 cm) of moisture that fell primarily as freezing rain yesterday. Warm air will linger in the mountains today with summit high temperatures expected to be in the low to mid 40's F. Winds will be out of the SW 60 to 80 mph (95 to 128 kph) and there is a chance of showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms. A cold front will be moving in tonight changing rain over to snow. The mountain forecast is calling for a chance of snow tomorrow and temperatures falling from the 20's into the teens F. Check tomorrow's advisory before heading out to see if these snow showers will add up and create new stability concerns. Keep in mind that we have mid-winter snow depths in some locations and many avalanche paths are well developed. With the right winds, it doesn't take much snow to create unstable conditions. While traveling in avalanche terrain you need to be mindful of changing snow conditions as well as changing terrain 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.

Icefall remains a concern in the Ravines, especially with the current warm temperature and recent rain. Many folks have been injured and killed by falling ice so 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.

Looking ahead it appears that we will be entering a trend of colder weather. With the prospect of below freezing temperatures entering the mountains by tonight, paired with the amount of free water that is on the mountain, you need to be ready for icy conditions. Crampons, an ice axe and the ability to use them with skill are all critical for safe travel in the mountains.

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!