Huntington Ravine has 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.

While we have some concerns about existing stability issues, today's ratings are based on new snow today paired with increasing winds this afternoon. Yesterday was the first time the Ravines really cleared out since last weeks storm. We found that Tuckerman faired quite well with avalanches pushing debris pretty far down into the floor. It seems that most forecast areas avalanched during the course of the past few days, many of them multiple times. In Huntington Ravine we observed some evidence of avalanche activity, however, the strong winds scoured most of the snow out of the Ravine. We will put some photos on the website today for you to look at to see how the landscape has changed.

Current stability issues are hard slabs in Tuckerman as well as some softer slabs that can be found in the Lip, Sluice and Right Gully. The harder slabs can be found in most locations and would be difficult for a person to trigger. However, if you did managed to get one going it could be large and destructive. You would have an easier time triggering an avalanche in the Lip area, Sluice and Right Gully. In Huntington Ravine all forecast areas currently have Low avalanche danger due to the amount of scouring that has occurred. This holds true for Left Gully as well with some very impressive sastrugi in the lower reaches of the gully that you could get lost in. If you opt to poke around in the Lower Snowfields and Little Headwall you will find some softer snow. These forecast areas have a lot of variability, including plenty of bushes. If you go into them looking for turns, particularly the Lower Snowfields, you may find some touchy slabs. That is a snapshot of our current stability issues. Now lets focus on how we expect them to change today.

Over the past 24 hours the summit received .6" (1.5 cm) of new snow and we are expecting 2 to 4" (5 to 10 cm) of additional light density snow today, most of which will fall in the afternoon. Winds will be out of the NW 15 to 30 mph (24 to 48 kph) this morning and increase to 35 to 50 mph (56 to 80 kph) with higher gusts this afternoon. Once the winds pick up this afternoon we will see loading begin and the avalanche danger start to rise to their forecasted ratings. In Huntington, the main areas of concern will be O'Dell, Pinnacle and Central Gully. The northern gullies in Huntington will be less of a concern today and may struggle to reach the Moderate rating. In Tuckerman you can expect the Bowl, Lip and Headwall to be the areas of most concern. If you plan on being in avalanche terrain today, get an early start and keep you eyes on the changing conditions through the day.

The Lion Head Winter Route is open. 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.

The John Sherburne Ski Trail is open and has good coverage. Expect variable conditions including scoured sections and large drifts.