Huntington Ravine has LOW and MODERATE avalanche danger. Damnation and North Gullies have Low avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are very unlikely and human triggered avalanches are unlikely except in isolated pockets. Normal caution is advised. All other forecast areas in Huntington have Moderate avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are unlikely and human triggered avalanches are possible. Use caution in steeper terrain.

Yesterday we watched as the new powder seemed to shrink before our teary eyes. Temperatures rose sharply a couple of hours after dawn and the warmth quickly percolated through the fluffy new snow. Within an hour the snow must have settled close to 1"(2.5cm) and a thin crust more reminiscent of a skin, capped the early morning precip as a quick band of drizzle and freezing rain crept across the middle elevations of the mountain. Pinkham and the Summit seemed to avoid the crust development but what exactly happened in the start zones is unclear. Winds died down as promised after they had successfully loaded slopes with N through E aspects. The Summit's max wind gust in the last 24 hours was only a mere 51mph(82kph) but winds remained steady at speeds between 30-40mph(48-64kph) out of the S & W during and right after the recent snowfall. New slabs are probably quite soft considering the lower wind speeds at which the snow was deposited. Warmer temperatures have moved new slabs toward stabilization and today we'll see more of their stored energy fizzle away. With that said we'll see some of the areas that are currently listed as Moderate but received less snow, move down toward Low avalanche danger. Areas like Hillman's, Yale and Escape Hatch are likely candidates where warm temps will have an easier time baking the energy out of the thinner slabs. Light snow is forecasted through the day but little accumulation is expected and winds will be negligible. Today's rating generally reflect the concerns we have with the slabs that were created between 18-36 hours ago.

The old lingering icy surface is now buried in most places but where exposed it still presents a concern for travelers who may need to stop a sliding fall. On steep terrain the new snow may not offer enough resistance if you fall. Self-arrest may still be VERY difficult. Be ready with crampons, an ice axe and solid technique if you plan on traveling on the upper parts of the mountain today.

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 recent snow covering slush, dirt, long sections of water ice, deep waterbars and water channels that can grab a ski tip very quickly. Expect variable conditions as the new snow conceals all types of buried treasure.