Mild and dry conditions continue to plague the mountain this late November. Our snow cover is still pretty much non-existent and the temperature inversions have sent the valleys way below the summit each evening. This hasn't been good for ice formations that want to stick around. The low temperature at the 6288 foot level has only reached 28F (-2.2C) since the middle of the week and highs over the next couple of days will be bumping into the low 40's (4.4+C)! So...we will continue to post a new General Advisory at least once every three days, but for the foreseeable future we will not have much to discuss as far as avalanches are concerned.

The hazard of new ice forming and falling in warm weather will be the number one concern to watch this week. 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.

The calendar shows we are in early winter even though the mountain is a bit barren. However be ready for winter to come in like a freight train. Don't plan on being able to follow summer trails safely. Be ready for the conditions you'll face with appropriate 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.