Huntington Ravine has MODERATE, and CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger. The Escape Hatch, Yale, Damnation, and North Gullies have Moderate avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are unlikely and human triggered avalanches are possible. Use caution in steep terrain. All other forecast areas in Huntington Ravine have Considerable avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are possible and human triggered avalanches are probable. Be increasingly cautious in steeper terrain.

Over the past 24 hours the summit received 3" (7.6 cm) of new snow and Hermit Lake received 2.8" (7 cm) with a density of 4%. This is in addition to the .6" (1.5 cm) that the summit received very early yesterday morning. I realize this doesn't sound like much snow, however, the winds are playing a major factor in causing new stability issues. Winds have been steadily increasing out of the NW and are now blowing at 63 mph (101 kph) and are expected to reach 80 mph (129 kph) this afternoon. These winds are loading the new snow into sheltered areas of the ravines and creating some unstable snow. Some brief glimpses into the Ravines this morning showed a new fracture line in the Chute. Conversely, the top of Left Gully was scoured and most of the new snow was down lower in the gully. Hillman's Highway and Dodge's Drop had nice snow plumes over them, yet the majority of Hillman's appeared to be the slabs that were there yesterday. These clues provide us with good information on how conditions in other locations may be with some areas picking up lots of the new snow while others are unable to hold onto it. I expect the most instability to be found in the Bowl, Lip and Headwall today. Areas posted at Considerable have the potential for natural activity as well as very touchy slabs that will be prone to human triggers.

Areas posted at Considerable in Huntington Ravine offer the best bed surfaces for new slabs and therefore have a better chance of natural avalanche activity. Yesterday a party climbed Central Gully and reported new snow over a foot deep at the top of the gully. One of the difficult forecasting issues in Huntington Ravine is determining when the increasing winds will stop loading the gullies and start to scour them of the new light density snow. If you plan on climbing in there today I would expect to find unstable snow in most of the gullies, particularly early in the day before the winds top out at their forecasted speeds and have a better chance of scouring the gullies.

It looks like two Clipper systems will move through our neck of the woods bringing a chance of snow tomorrow and maybe Thursday or Friday. They don't seem to have a lot of moisture but should bring us some snow anyway. As far as today goes, you should be prepared for very cold conditions on the mountain. High temperatures will be lucky to reach -10 F (-23 C) and the NW winds will make for some very low wind chills. Try not to leave any skin exposed if you plan on being above treeline today.

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.