Huntington Ravine has Low and Moderate avalanche danger today. South, Pinnacle, Damnation and North Gullies have Low avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are very unlikely and human triggered avalanches are unlikely except in isolated pockets. Normal caution is advised. O'Dell, Central and Yale Gullies have Moderate avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are unlikely and human triggered avalanches are possible. Unstable slabs are possible in steep terrain. Use caution in steeper terrain.

In the past two days the summit has recorded just over two inches (5 cm) of new snow. Field observations are finding a bit more than that around the mountain and the density of the new snow is very light. Wind loading yesterday morning created some soft slabs around the mountain which are the focus of today's stability concerns. Depending on where you travel in avalanche terrain you will find old hard slabs, loose unconsolidated snow and some area of soft slabs that may be sensitive to a human trigger. In Huntington Ravine, areas posted at Moderate are barely in the Moderate rating due to the limited amount of slabs that can be found in these locations. However, they are large enough pockets that they are difficult to avoid which is why they are posted at Moderate. In Tuckerman Ravine you will find more issues near the Lip and Sluice than in other locations. Areas posted at Low do have pockets of instability as well and you need to evaluate changing surface conditions as you move from one area to the next. Generally you will find the most instability in the upper reaches of the Ravines due to the wind speeds associated with the recent loading. Winds are forecasted to be NW 25 to 45 mph (40 to 72 kph) this afternoon and increase to 45 to 60 mph (72 to 105 kph) overnight. As the winds increase I think that we will see additional wind loading occur which may affect stability late in the day.

The forecast for the week shows some potential for snow showers but there are no major storms in sight. Temperatures will be cold for this time of year. High temperatures on the summit are expected only expected to be in the negative teens F today.

The Lion Head Summer Trail is still open. The Summer Trail crosses an avalanche prone slope that is still developing. We are keeping a close eye on this slope, but as always, safe travel techniques dictate traveling across this and other such slopes one at a time.