Huntington Ravine has MODERATE and CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger. The Escape Hatch and North Gully have Moderate avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are unlikely and human triggered avalanches are possible. Use caution in steeper terrain. All other forecast areas in Huntington have Considerable avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are possible and human triggered avalanches are probable. Be increasingly cautious in steeper terrain.

Mount Washington is finally showing us some typical winds after days of low velocities. In the past two hours we have exceeded the wind forecast in dramatic fashion with gusts in the past 30 minutes to 72mph (115kph)! Over the past 24 hours the summit received 1.2" (3cm) of new snow while we picked up 2" (5cm) down at 3800ft. This brings the weeks total to almost 5" (12.5cm) for the summit, but most of the accumulations have been waiting for some stronger winds to move it below treeline. Well that's exactly what's happening right now. As we got out and about this morning new slabs were witnessed in a variety of locations. These were forming over loose unconsolidated snow that would act as a general weak layer waiting for a trigger. This will likely be the primary instability you will find in the Ravines today, new slabs over a loose unconsolidated layer. Most areas are currently obscured in blowing snow and we have yet to have a view in Tuckerman at all. Huntington offered some periods of clearing which presented conditions as we expected. Variability is once again the word of the day. There are some areas at are being blown clean to old surface, but then loading back into strong lee locations. I have the most concern about the actual stability of sitting slabs compared to their depth and size. Although sizeable slabs exist in Tuckerman the instability of smaller locales such as areas in the Huntington gullies can offer the same reality. I.e. a long ride down a rock-infested gully. The key things to remember today are 1. Snow that has been sitting above treeline for days is now being loaded by WNW winds into both Ravines. 2. It's Saturday which means there are more triggers running around than usual. And 3. Snow conditions have a high degree of variability so don't plan your whole day on one snowpit. Focus on safe travel rules and good route finding. As we mentioned yesterday these conditions have the ability to sneak up on you if you're not paying attention. The little avalanche dragons are waiting and it's up to you to avoid their lair. Keep your eyes wide open today and be ready for other people to effect you from above.

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 coverage though it's very thin in places. Expect new snow over a hard and unforgiving icy base.

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.