Yesterday's upslope flow produced a bit more snow than most weather forecasts anticipated. Strong winds have made exact measurements difficult but it seems that both Ravines likely picked up somewhere around 5"(10cm) of light density powder before you begin to factor in what wind transport had to contribute. Breaking trail on the way up this morning we noticed large drifts in some areas while others had been scoured down to the heavier snows of the last storm. The same spatial variability is likely to be present in avalanche terrain though the mountain is currently enrobed in clouds precluding us from getting any good visuals. Since early afternoon yesterday winds have been predominately out of the W with all of the Summit's hourly observations clocking in at 65mph(105kph) or greater. Eastern aspects were loaded by blowing snow and other aspects likely developed their own windslab through crossloading. There was a prelude of slightly calmer winds before the noontime ramp up and snow falling during this period likely created a less consolidated layer that may serve as a weak layer for avalanche activity. Cold temps will prolong the stabilization process in our snowpack as today's high is expected to hover around 0F(-18C). Winds will continue to blow up to 80mph(129kph) through the day before shifting to the NW and dying down a tad. Don't expect it to become too pleasnt though as tonight's windchills are forecasted to be around -50F. My conversion chart doesn't even go low enough to figure out what that is in Celsius! As this windshift occurs snow that had been successfully hiding from W winds may fall prey to winds from the new direction. Snow showers are likely throughout the day adding to what is available for transport. Again we are thinking about larger than expected accumulations during upslope flow in cold conditions though there doesn't appear to be as much moisture in today's system as there was in yesterday's. Nonetheless, if you are bold (or foolish) enough to try and brave the artic conditions today you're going to be challenged with the task of ongoing assessment in cold temps and low visibility. Be smart and stay safe! This may play out to be an interesting week with light snow showers expected most days between now and Christmas. These conditions 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.