Huntington Ravine has Moderate and Low avalanche danger today. Central, O'Dell and South Gullies have Moderate avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are unlikely and human triggered avalanches are possible. Unstable slabs are possible in steep terrain. Use caution in steeper terrain. All other forecast areas in Huntington have Low avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are very unlikely and human triggered avalanches are unlikely except in isolated pockets. Normal caution is advised.

We got into both Ravines yesterday and saw that a number of slopes had natural avalanche activity, which probably occurred late Friday night or early Saturday morning. Most of these were soft slab avalanches and they helped fill in run-out zones, which will allow the next cycle of avalanches to run a little farther. Since these recent avalanches occurred, many of the paths filled in again with new wind slab and they are still a concern. All areas that are posted at Moderate today should be treated with the utmost respect. They are filled with new wind slab that is sitting over the pesky icy layer that served as the bed surface for the recent avalanche activity. In Huntington Ravine, strong winds and/or avalanche activity cleaned the gullies rated at Low down to the old surface. When traveling in these areas you should still be on the lookout for isolated pockets of instability and stay on the old, hard surface whenever possible. If you do opt to head into some of the areas posted at Moderate make sure you are acutely aware of what is going on above you. The best route finding techniques won't do you much good if someone starts to descend the area you are in and triggers a slab.

As the day progresses you can expect increasing clouds and some snow showers to develop. These are associated with a weak Clipper that will give us more persistent snow showers in the mountains tomorrow. We aren't expecting great things from this but we may squeeze a couple inches out of it when it is all said and done.

As mentioned, some areas have the old surface showing. It may be more stable than the fresh new snow but it should also be recognized as a potential hazard for travelers on the mountain. These slopes are very icy 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, otherwise speed and the snow density may make attempts futile. Also remember that many summer trails go through avalanche terrain. Always use safe travel practices and think about snowpack stability not the "trail" underneath.

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!