Huntington Ravine has Low avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are very unlikely and human triggered avalanches are unlikely except in isolated pockets. Normal caution is advised.

On mornings such as this one, it's difficult to believe the maximum temperature had exceeded the freezing point 18 of the past 30 days at Hermit Lake. Today's weather is radically different from those last 30 days! The combination of plummeting temperatures and increasing winds today will make for dangerous conditions above treeline. Traveling above treeline is not recommended today. Temperatures are expected to drop to -20F (-29C) and winds will be sustained around 100mph (161kph) with gusts to 140mph (225kph). This not a day to test your mettle against the mountain. If you feel the need to get outside today, consider staying down low in the trees below the alpine zone.

Today's weather will continue to bring us upslope snow showers through the evening. Yesterday the summit received 3.4 inches (8.6cm) of new snow; today we are expecting another 1-2 inches (2.5-5cm). We expect to see a significant amount of snow loading into Tuckerman Ravine, based on new snow falling today as well as yesterday's snow waiting to be transported on strong winds. All areas of Tuckerman will see unstable slabs developing on highly variable crust leftover from Monday's storm, with the Lip and Headwall areas being of greatest concern.

Over in Huntington Ravine, winds are expected to scour away new snow before it has a chance to form slabs, hence today's rating of Low for Huntington. However, you may find pockets of wind slabs in strong lee areas as well as active sloughing, both of which may knock you off your feet. Attempting to ice climb in one of the gullies today would be very uncomfortable to say the least. To reiterate what Chris said in yesterday's advisory, "...these are truly desperate conditions. High winds are underestimated by many because they have been in 70mph (112kph) winds so what could another 40mph (65kph) matter? Trust me, A LOT! Anyone being out at all should have the best arctic mountain clothing possible. Feet, hands, and face are the locations have we have seen the most frostbitten. So good boots, mittens and the often-neglected face gear is extremely important."

The Lion Head Summer Trail is still open. The Summer Trail crosses an avalanche prone slope that has not developed as of yet. The Winter Route is not built for travel without adequate snow cover, so although we are in winter, please help keep the Winter Route in good shape by using the Summer Trail.