The models seem to have nailed the timing and sequence of this latest weather maker quite well. The Summit started with snow yesterday morning changing over to rain briefly before the system moved off to our NE. Rain accumulated to .32" (.8cm) before switching back to snow in the afternoon. Snow for the 24 period added up to 9.8" (25cm) as of 6am this morning totaling 13.5" (34cm) for the entire storm. Winds were out of the SSE when rain turned back to snow yesterday afternoon quickly moving counterclockwise to the N and NNW during the early evening. Winds increased rapidly peaking at 83mph (133kph) which loaded new snow onto mostly S and SE aspects. Winds have been diminishing through the early morning hours and are currently out of the NW at 35mph (56kph). These winds should hold and be consistent until late in the day when they will likely move out of the W. This will likely continue light loading of SE through E aspects effecting stability of newly deposited snow over the past 12-18 hours. Initial bonding was good during the change over from rain to snow along with the significant temperature drop. At 2pm yesterday temperatures began falling from just above freezing to a current of 1 F (-17) as of 4am this morning. As the temperature fell snow densities decreased improving transport ability and therefore new loading. Snow subsided this morning and accumulations are wrapping up for this event. So what this all adds up to is a range within the Moderate forecast within both Ravines. Smaller snowfields in areas other than those on SE and E aspects have the best stability. As you move on to the bull's-eye aspect, strong lee SE snowfields and gullies, you may find stability on the upper end of the Moderate rating. The Lip in Tuckerman and the Northern gullies of Huntington are a few examples of these locations. Instabilities will be complicated by snow moving in again tomorrow for Thanksgiving bringing another 4-8 inches (10-20cm) to the mountains as well as a good shot to the valleys.

A number of avalanche paths are well developed for this time of the year. 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.

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!