Huntington Ravine has Moderate and Low avalanche danger today. Central Gully has Moderate avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are unlikely and human triggered avalanches are possible. Use caution in steep terrain. All other forecast areas in Huntington have Low avalanche danger today. Natural avalanches are very unlikely and human triggered avalanches are unlikely EXCEPT in isolated pockets. Normal caution is advised.

Strong W winds continued through the day yesterday with the mountain only receiving a trace of snow in most locations. The snow from the previous day had little luck trying to stay in place as the winds scoured many areas and deposited snow farther down on less steep terrain. One of the primary factors in the development of the current conditions is the extremely hard and slick old surface that resulted from last week's rains followed by the big drop in temps. Even in the areas posted at Low today you can expect to find pockets of new snow that still harbor instability. Good routefinding can help you stay on the old surface and away from these suspect areas. In the areas rated at Moderate today larger sections of windslab make travel exclusively on old surface very difficult or impossible. In the case of Central Gully a large pillow of new snow has formed under the ice bulge and an ascent of the Gully would require you to cross this area. Snow showers are forecasted to continue through the day with accumulations of about 1" (2.5cm) expected. Winds will hover around 35mph(56kph) out of the W during the day and you should keep your eyes out for new softer windslab to be forming on lee slopes.

The hard old surface should also be acknowledged today for the trouble it may create for travelers. All trails are very slick and crampons and an ice axe are essential for travel on open terrain of any steepness. Self arrest will only be effective if executed immediately after a slip otherwise speed and the snow density may make attempts futile. Yesterday we had a serious accident when an experienced climber was blown off his feet while approaching the bottom of ODell's Gully. The victim took a 400'(125m) uncontrolled slide down the slope and into the talus below. The party began a self rescue before being assisted by rescuers. More than 30 people participated in this difficult rescue that lasted late into the evening.

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!