Warm temperatures and rain are going to dominate the weather in the mountains over the next couple of days. This weather has the potential to cause a variety of issues for folks traveling into the Ravines. The first is the potential for avalanche activity associated with rain. There is potential for the rain to trigger slab and wet loose avalanches in some locations in the Ravines. While most avalanche paths are not well developed, it would still be wise to stay away from the snowfields and gullies that have filled in during rain events. The other major concern associated with the warm and rainy forecast is the increased potential for icefall to occur. Many folks have been injured and killed by falling ice so pay attention to where you are, and don't linger under ice. Have a plan in mind concerning what you will do and where you will go if ice comes down. If you are anxious to get out climbing early season ice, my advice is to be patient and give it time. Some of the gullies have been climbed this season but the conditions are deteriorating. On Tuesday most of the gullies in Huntington were very thin and had evidence of recent icefall. The next couple of days will continue to beat these climbs up.

We are absolutely in early winter in the high mountains so don't plan on being able to follow summer trails safely. Trails going through ravines and gulfs are buried with snow in many areas and require winter gear, i.e. winter clothes, ice axe, crampons, avalanche beacons, shovels, and probes. Don't wait any longer to refresh your avalanche skills. Pull out your beacon, install some fresh high quality alkaline batteries, and practice. Review your safe travel rules, techniques for assessing snow stability, and sign up for an avalanche course. We will soon have all the avalanche courses offered in the valley this winter on our website, tuckerman.org.