All forecast areas of Huntington Ravine had Moderate avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are unlikely and human triggered avalanches are possible. Unstable slabs are possible in steeper terrain. Use caution in steeper terrain.

Yesterday was a good day for the snow coverage in the ravine. Natural avalanche activity occurred in many places, including Hillman's, Left Gully, the Headwall and Bowl, and Right Gully. We sure could use more storms like this to help fill in the floor before springtime rolls around. Today's avalanche concerns are related to the activity observed yesterday, particularly the winds reloading more snow into the start zones and muting the fracture lines. This loading took place throughout the day yesterday, and will potentially continue today. Additionally, the cold temperatures will help new slabs hold on to their elastic energy, keeping them "snappy." This energy is essential to the propagation of fracturing and failure of unstable slabs. While we are primarily concerned with leftover slabs from yesterday, there are instabilities in the atmosphere today which may produce some upslope snow showers, giving us something less than an inch of new snow before noon. Winds will be strong enough to move any new snow into already touchy areas. Areas posted at Moderate today are at the upper end of their definition, especially in the start zones. These areas have just come down from a High danger rating yesterday. If you find yourself in these areas it is possible that you may be the additional stress that tips the balance of stress versus strength. This not a position you want to be in!

Huntington Ravine has a mixed bag of Moderate conditions. In some areas you'll find large pockets edging into what we would consider to be more of a snowfield than a pocket. Other areas, O'Dells is one example, have larger developed snowfields with existing instabilities. Even though yesterday's winds were high, it wasn't enough to scour the gullies down to less than Moderate. Remember, these areas also just came down from a High rating yesterday. Good route finding skills and a keen awareness of instabilities are crucial to traveling in Huntington today.

Regardless of where you travel on Mt. Washington today, you'll be exposed to temperatures falling down to dangerously frigid levels. Summits should fall to -15F this afternoon. Temperatures are expected to fall to -30F tonight and only climb up to -25F tomorrow. This extreme cold and high winds will continue into the early parts of the week before mellowing out a bit. If you decide to venture out above treeline, keep your options open and be willing to turn around before you absolutely need to. The margin of safety in the event of a mishap is quite slim in these conditions.

THE LION HEAD WINTER ROUTE IS NOW OPEN. Yesterday the route became well packed by the heavy traffic heading toward the summit, helping to consolidate the loose snow. This is a steep and challenging route. Crampons, an ice axe, and the ability to properly use this equipment are necessary for safe travel on this route.