Over the past 24 hours the Summit recorded 1.2" (3 cm) of new snow, which was quite light at only 4% density. Most of this new snow occurred since 10pm last night with increasing winds from the W. Winds began at 35 mph (55kph) and slowly increased velocity to 55-60mph (90-95kph) as of 4am this morning. The low density snow was accompanied with perfect winds for loading our E facing Ravines so you will likely find some new isolated pockets scattered in sheltered locations. Any new snow is mostly loading on top of a cold crust. Although the crust is rough in texture surface temperatures are hovering around 12-16 degrees F (-11 to -9 C) which will not be conducive for good bonding at the interface. So realize that these pockets do exist and I would consider them suspect particularly the deeper they become. Upslope snow is anticipated to wrap up later this morning and is not forecasted to accumulate much since this morning's 6am precipitation observation. As with upslope snow and cold temperatures always be prepared for more snow than forecasted and be ready to change your plans accordingly. Expect an increasing avalanche danger if this occurs. Besides the isolated pockets of new snow you will generally find crampon conditions on the exposed rain crust to be close to ideal. Individuals skilled in crampon use will find travel to be quick and pleasurable. While snow climbing conditions are efficient, realize that the surface is very slippery and self-arrest must be executed immediately to keep you from reaching terminal velocity. CRAMPONS AND AN ICE AXE ARE MANDATORY EQUIPMENT FOR SAFE TRAVEL IN ANY ANGLED TERRAIN. Be prepared for isolated post-hole conditions in some flat and vegetated areas, like the bottom of the Escape Hatch. The crust likes to support body weight most of the time and then it breaks suddenly and your foot disappears into the subterranean world while you body continues with forward progress. We found this to be unpleasant and potentially hazardous depending on your inertia.

Facet growth conditions have been ideal. Cold temperatures above the crust and warm wet snow below the crust have made some enormous temperature gradients. Currently it's fun to watch, but is being bridged by the strength of the crust and as of right now is not an instability factor. We will watch it closely and see if it erodes the crust causing it to weaken.

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's very thin in places. Expect variable surface conditions with a hard unforgiving icy surface being the prominent feature.

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.