Huntington Ravine has Low avalanche danger today. Natural avalanches are very unlikely and human triggered avalanches are unlikely except in isolated pockets. Normal caution is advised. We are currently not forecasting for the Escape Hatch due to lack of snow.

A little bit of snow everyday can make quite a difference on the mountain. In the past 6 days we have received 13.4" (34cm) of snow, 2.6" (6.6cm) of which fell in the past 24 hours. High winds, reaching exactly 100 mph, made for quite nasty conditions ysterday as it moved this week's snow that survived several days of lower winds. This morning's clear sky is revealing the effect of yesterday's loading and scouring. Although transport did absolutely occur the majority of deposited snow is down low, in the trees, and in very strong lee areas of westerly winds. No fracture lines are visible, but wind effected avalanche debris is sitting down low under the Chute this morning. The biggest result from high winds is being witnessed in the form of scouring. Huntington is down to the old surface in almost all locations with a few new areas of slab. With the exception of the Lip area Tuckerman carries the same rating of Low as Huntington, but harbors many more "ISOLATED POCKETS". Use smart travel practices and link stable old surfaces and ice together. Understand that a pocket of slab doesn't have to be very big to knock you off your feet and send you down the hill in a painful way. Cold temperatures continue building water ice to climb on although still generally a bit thin overall. The Low pressure moving up the east coast will affect us in some way tomorrow, but GFS and ETA weather models still differ in the final outcome. However it appears the southern part of the State will see around 6" (15cm) while the north should see much less. We'll wait, cross our fingers, and discuss it in detail tomorrow morning.

The hard old surface should be recognized as a potential hazard for travelers on the mountain. Most slopes are very icy so as always 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. Also remember that many summer trails go through avalanche terrain. Summer trails are for summer! Use safe travel practices.

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 have all the avalanche courses offered in the Valley this winter on our website, tuckerman.org. Christmas is coming soon so sign yourself or a loved one up now!