Huntington Ravine has Moderate and Low avalanche danger today. Central 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 had some very interesting observations yesterday after an evening of shifting winds to the WSW. A number of locations that have SSE through S aspects became wind affected more than is typical from the winds speed recorded and surface snow densities. The other interesting item of note was a couple of very thin fracture lines in mid level pockets in the Bowl and the Sluice. These were several inches thick and were likely triggered Saturday night by gusty WSW winds. This is an excellent clue that there may be more pockets of instability out there, some of which may be thicker, hence the continued Moderate rating. We continue to be impressed by the variability of stability and conditions. The old icy surface is present, as is highly sculpted features in hard slab created by the wind, as well as smooth creamy soft slabs that have not been altered much by the wind since Friday' s storm. All of these can be found in close proximity of one another through out the Ravines. This is particularly true in the Tuckerman Bowl, Headwall, and the snowfields above the Headwall. With that said there are many places that with good travel skills someone could link stable areas together. But keep those eyes open as stability can change very quickly. Within today's Moderate rating you will certainly find instability if you look for it. Areas at Low have some examples of "isolated pockets" that should be given some respect. Some pockets of note can be found in O'Dell's and perhaps the exit in Pinnacle. In other "Low" forecasted areas in Huntington Ravine, strong winds and/or avalanche activity cleaned the gullies 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. The other item to keep in mind today is the potential for a couple inches (5cm) of very low density snow between late morning and late this afternoon with winds from the W and NW at 15-30mph (25-50kph). Although not forecasted to exceed these amounts low water equivalents and cold temperatures can generate some impressive snow totals. So consider the possibility that accumulations may not reflect the forecast exactly. Low density snow is also easily transported even by light winds. Be prepared for changing conditions late in the day. As winds increase tonight and tomorrow watch for additional transport that lower velocities missed today.

As mentioned, some areas have the old surface showing. It's 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!