After 2.75" (7 cm) of rain over the past two days, Mother Nature is giving us a break. Albeit, a short one, but it should give us time to take a look around and see what sort of activity occurred from all of the rain pounding on the snowpack. If you are heading up into the mountains today you can expect clear skies this morning with summits becoming obscured this afternoon. Temperatures will be in the lower to mid-30's with relatively light winds. After a break in moisture today, wet weather will invade our region yet again. The storm system that I am referring to has just changed course a bit and could bring 1" (2.54 cm) or more of rain to some parts of New Hampshire. The mountains are expecting less than this in liquid equivalent and cold air may allow for snow, particularly as the storm progresses. Precipitation will begin tonight and we can expect to see snow through the day tomorrow and linger into Saturday. One forecast implied that the mountains could see 6" (16 cm) by the end of the day tomorrow. Some forecasts suggest more rain in the beginning while others suggest more snow through the entire storm. Check out tomorrow's advisory to see how this is all unfolding as it may affect this weekend's stability. As the storm progresses temperatures will fall, reaching the single digits F by tomorrow afternoon. As this happens it will ensure that our precipitation falls as snow and it will offer an opportunity for the copious amounts of free water and surface water to freeze and form some ice. Obviously raging torrents like the Cutler River will remain unfrozen, but a lot of lesser trickles may begin to ice up including the hiking trails. Be ready for slick conditions in areas that are normally free of water. New snow may prove to help or hinder footing depending on where you are.

A variety of snowfields exist in both Ravines ranging from isolated pockets to large gullies. Large snowfields and isolated pockets of instability both have their dangers. If a snowfield is big enough to recreate on it's big enough to avalanche. Remember that early season conditions can produce some interesting activity so take the time to dust off the equipment. 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!