The Summit picked up 3"(7.6cm) of new snow from this last quick moving storm with the period of highest intensity occurring yesterday midmorning. As winds were making their shift from S to W during the same period I observed a wild variety of crystal types including some heavily rimed needles. This type of crystal is able to pack very tightly and create a stiffer slab than you might see from spatial dendrites or stellars falling under similar conditions. By noon yesterday winds had made their shift to the W and began the ramp up to the higher speeds that they have maintained through this morning. Most of the Summit observations have been between 60-80mph(97-129kph) with higher gusts common. Blowing snow has been included in all of the last 24 hourly observations but we expect transport to fizzle out as winds die down a bit later today. Because of this, the potential for natural avalanche activity has been declining and is now unlikely in all forecasted areas. Human triggered avalanches are a different story however. It is possible that a climber or skier will trigger a slide today in either Ravine. If you're recreating on NE, E or SE aspects you will also increase the probability of doing so. Winds loaded these aspects most heavily and new windslab now overlies the layer that proved to be very energetic over the weekend. Any avalanches that do occur may generate enough force to step down to this lower level and create more dramatic results.

The next week of weather has the potential to be our friend though it currently looks more like an enemy. Starting tomorrow we may see a couple of systems move through that start as liquid before moving over to snow. At least its not the other way around but stay tuned in for how this will effect our snow stability.

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 with varying conditions. Expect new snow, old crust, deep waterbars and typical New England goodness.

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.