I wish there was some information that could candy coat our current situation as far as snow goes. I can't even say "well we've got good base". All I can come up with is "well it's still early". It's hard to believe at our current rate for the month the summit is only about 30% below normal snowfall. This translates differently on the ground however as we started from scratch after the November meltout. The upcoming week brings us a slight chance of precipitation from day to day, but nothing significant looms on the horizon. Temperatures will warm into the later half of the weekend and will likely go above freezing in the Ravines. As temperatures go back and forth across the freezing mark keep your eyes open for falling ice. We've had a couple weeks of growth now so there is a possibility for large ice pieces to release depending on temperature. Some cooling will return into Monday, but above average temperatures will dominate the week. With all that said keep the spirits up winter always returns on Mount Washington! I've seen some dire conditions over the years get turned around pretty quickly. And it's true when I say it's still early.

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. As I said we are below average for snow cover right now, but you 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.

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.