Warm temperatures continue to plague the Summit bringing the chance of mixed precipitation and rain with Wednesday's weather maker. Temperatures in higher terrain will be border line so we will have to see if we manage to squeeze some snow out of this one. Upslope energy continues into the weekend giving the mountains a chance of snow showers over the next couple of days. With some pockets of dry slab around Tuckerman, I wouldn't be too surprised if a soaking of rain caused a pocket to release here and there. Currently the largest snowfields that exist are in Left Gully and above the southern part of the Headwall. Smaller pockets are scattered around Tuckerman as well including up in the Lip. Realizing that we are well below average for snow cover right now, you still can't put avalanches out of your mind. It only takes a small area underfoot to give way to cause some dire results. Don't focus all your attention on the size of an avalanche, but on the consequences of what will happen to you. If you plan on doing some ice climbing realize ice is still thin in many areas. If you do intend to climb leave the pickets at home and bring rock gear with a focus on small protection.

We recently put photos of both Ravines on our website. Take a look at them to see how conditions are before you plan your trip.

Winter is 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.