The snowy pattern continues with another 5.2" (13.2cm) totaling 10.8" (27.4cm) of 8% density snow for the past several days. This along with cold -10 to -15F (-23 to -29C) temperatures and winds gusting to 100mph (160kph) will bring full arctic conditions to the mountain on Friday and Saturday. The weather swings that we have seen so much of already this winter will continue this week as valleys will see a number of days into the 40's F (high singles C). Keep these polar opposite conditions in mind when venturing into higher terrain. Prevailing high velocity W and NW winds will move this week's low density snow into east facing aspects making for a stark contrast to a week ago. Start thinking about avalanches again when heading into the mountains. Weather patterns need to give us more precipitation of the frozen variety before we have widespread instability issues, but focus on those small pockets again. If you have ice climbing plans in your near future remember some lines are beginning to be peppered with snowfields that will be growing in size and maybe interfaced over new ice from earlier this week. It only takes a small area underfoot to give way to cause some dire results so don't focus all your attention on the size of an avalanche, but on the consequences of what will happen to you. Remember if a slope is big enough to recreate on its big enough to avalanche. With all this said realize ice has just started forming about 6 days ago so conditions are still thin. The cold weekend will obviously be conducive to continued ice growth, be patient however as protecting thin lines will be a considerable challenge. If you do intend to climb plan on very scrappy mixed climbing of the Scottish variety, leave pickets at home, and go heavy on rock gear with a focus on small protection. It won't be for the faint of heart or those without years of experience in similar conditions.

Winter is finally here so don't plan on being able to follow summer trails safely without the right equipment. 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.

Avalanche courses offered in the valley this winter are now on our website, tuckerman.org.