Huntington Ravine has CONSIDERABLE and HIGH avalanche danger today. The Escape Hatch has Considerable avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are possible and human triggered avalanches are probable. Be increasingly cautious in steeper terrain. All other forecast areas of Huntington Ravine have High avalanche danger. Natural and human triggered avalanches are likely on a variety of slope angles and aspects. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.

Let's hear it for Mother Nature as March seems to be back on track with "normal" winter conditions. Mount Washington has had measurable snow for four straight days now, giving us some pretty interesting avalanche cycles. At the moment, avalanche danger is elevated, and we expect increasing danger throughout the day into the night as winds pick up. Before looking ahead, we need to look at what has happened in the snowpack from recent snows. From Saturday night through Sunday Hermit Lake received about 8" (20cm) of 6-7% density snow. We weren't expecting this much, but we'll take it. This light density snow came after the 10.2" (27.7cm) of higher density snow that fell Friday on the Summit. Winds were in the 40-60mph (65-95kph) range while the snow fell yesterday, then picked up with gusts of 80-97mph (129-155kph) for a few hours overnight. These winds have moved, and continue to move, some of the new snow that's fallen over the past couple days. However, they haven't been strong and sustained enough to move it all. There is still a substantial amount of snow hanging out above treeline waiting for the next blast of high velocity winds.

As we move forward into the forecast period, we are expecting a clipper-like cold front to pass by this afternoon. This will start out with snow fall beginning around early afternoon, with most of the precip expected to fall by evening. The forecast calls for another 3-5" (7.6-12.7cm) for today. Upslope snow will continue through the morning tomorrow, although accumulations after dark will be less than during the daylight hours. What's more important for our avalanche cycle than simply the total snowfall amount is the effect of the combination of wind and snow. As this front passes by, winds will be on the rise ramping up to over 100mph (161kph) by tomorrow morning. As this happens, new snow will be loading into most areas of both Ravines. These velocities will transport a substantial amount of the snow still hanging out above treeline in addition to what is falling today. The result of this weather pattern is that we are currently on the upswing of an avalanche cycle. Expect conditions to become more hazardous throughout the day and into tonight, with elevated danger ratings to continue into tomorrow.

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 generally good coverage with new snow covering most of the trail.