Huntington Ravine currently has HIGH avalanche danger. Natural and human triggered avalanches are LIKELY. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended. The only exceptions to this rating are the Escape Hatch and South Gully which have Considerable avalanche danger. In these areas natural avalanches are possible and human triggered avalanches are probable. Be increasingly cautious in steeper terrain.

It looks like all of our begging and pleading to Saint Nick paid off even if he was less than punctual. Although we didn't get the 30" dump that some areas in Maine are reporting, the Summit did avoid the vast majority of rain both freezing and liquid. As of 6am today the Summit had received 18"(46cm) of snow from this storm with varying densities. The first snow was soon followed by a period of freezing rain that lasted for a short time on the Summit but a little longer farther down the mountain. This undoubtedly formed a crust that will vary in thickness depending on elevation and will be considered a prime suspect in today's potential avalanches. Summit temps remained above freezing for most of the morning yesterday and snow falling during this period was heavier than most that followed. Things really changed in the afternoon as the Low moved out of our area and dropping temps accompanied a wrap of the winds to the NW. Snow continued to fall, albeit of a lighter density, and winds began to ramp up for the first time after being calm at the Summit for a few hours. After midnight the winds climbed above 50mph(81kph) out of the WNW and transport of snow began in earnest. We're currently seeing gusts of over 100mph(161kph) at the Summit and LOTS OF SNOW IS MOVING AROUND. The snow of this morning has increased in density from that which fell before midnight. When winds load this snow onto steep slopes it will be creating an inverted snowpack that is a bulls eye clue at instability. These winds are expected throughout the day although the clouds are forecasted to blow off by the afternoon. Don't let the blue skies make you forget about reality. There may not be snow falling out of the sky but the windloading that will occur will make avalanches likely in many areas. If you're like me you're chomping on the bit and waiting for a chance to use the new toys that Santa brought you. It's better to wait for another day or to go play out of avalanche terrain unless you really want to use your new beacon for the first time on a real burial.

THE LION HEAD SUMMER TRAIL IS 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 is open and has decent coverage though it is thin in places. Expect variable surface conditions as you take the first run on your new board or skis.

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.