We were able to get out and about yesterday once the clouds lifted to fully observe the impacts of our latest storm. The avalanche evidence was very subtle and if I hadn't been looking in the Ravines over the past couple of weeks I would of had a difficult time picking out recent activity. The greatest evidence was a combination of extended track length, mowed over bushes, and highly wind effected debris. Using these factors we extrapolated where avalanches began, as new loading filled back in all the telltale fracture lines. What all the puzzle pieces come together as is very soft slabs avalanching during the storm followed by the debris becoming obliterated by the high winds on Saturday. As we walked into Tuckerman yesterday we discussed how this job could never get boring as we are always seeing new things. Although there are proven avalanche paths each storm puts a different spin on how they run and what happens in their wake. I will never tire examining the Ravines as we learn something new everyday. Well as for today we expect a couple of inches (5cm) of low density snow on and off through the day with a W wind between 30-50mph (50-80kph), increasingly to 70+mph (115kph) this afternoon. These winds will load any new snow onto E aspects which is most of both Tuckerman and Huntington Ravines. Moderate winds this morning followed by higher winds later may develop slabs of increasing density. This has the makings of an "inverted" snowpack where generally stronger snow overlies weaker snow above creating instability. Although precipitation is expected to be light, I would always be cautious of a forecast of upslope snow during cold conditions. This scenario has the ability to surprise seasoned meteorologists by generating more snow than anticipated with a very low water content. This snow may have only half, or a third, of the water of 1-2" (2.5-5cm) on an average day quickly becoming 2-4" (5-10cm) or more. I would expect a number of areas to be on the upper end of the Moderate rating pushing Considerable if we exceed today's weather outlook. Some examples being The Lip and Headwall of Tuckerman and O'Dells and Central gullies of Huntington. This may play out to be an interesting week with many days expecting some snow showers here and there. This can create instability behind your back as an inch or two a day barely shows up on the radar screen. Pay attention to how these small numbers add up and are transported by the winds of Mount Washington. We will keep you up to date from day to day in the daily Advisory.

THE LION HEAD SUMMER TRAIL IS NOW CLOSED DUE TO THE AVALANCHE PRONE SLOPES JUST BELOW TREELINE. THE LION HEAD WINTER ROUTE IS OPEN. Mountaineering skills and equipment are required for safe travel on this route.

The Sherburne Ski trail has top to bottom coverage though it is quite thin in places. Expect rocks and abrupt waterbars along the way.

As always, this advisory is one more tool to help you make your own decisions in avalanche terrain. It should be used along with your own snow stability assessments, knowledge of safe travel techniques, skill in reading mountain weather's effect on the snowpack, and avalanche rescue. To improve these skills take an avalanche course. We have all the avalanche courses offered in and around the Mt. Washington Valley this winter on our website, tuckerman.org.