All forecast areas of Huntington Ravine have CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are possible and human triggered avalanches are probable. Be increasingly cautious in steeper terrain.

As far as avalanche conditions go the word of the day is wind. Today we're seeing the strongest winds since the March 2nd storm and subsequent snowfalls. This will have a greater effect on our avalanche cycle than any other single factor. Total snow accumulations in the past four days have reached 21" (53cm) at Hermit Lake and 19.5" (49.6cm) at the Summit. Half of this amount came as high density snow on Friday, which doesn't move as easily on lesser winds. Until last night the winds have been in the 40-80mph (64-128kph) range. These winds have been able to move some of the lighter snow, but have left significant amounts of snow above treeline waiting to be transported into the Ravines by today's winds.

In Tuckerman, you can expect all areas to be receiving active loading. In some places this will be direct loading and in other areas it will be cross loading. Winds this strong also move snow into places where it might not get to in other conditions, such as the Little Headwall and Lower Snowfields. In Huntington, where we are at the upper end of the Considerable definition, we are expecting the increasing winds today to move snow from the upper sections of the gullies down to the lower sections. Avalanche concerns in Huntington are greatest in the approaches and down low in the gullies due to the snow transport. It is possible that later today or tonight the winds will have scoured away a majority of the new snow, leading to more stable conditions. However, the only way to determine if this has occurred would be to travel into terrain that we believe may be producing natural avalanches.

In addition to the avalanche concerns, today is a day when you need to be at the very top of your game in the mountains. Records may be broken for low temperatures, and winds will be above hurricane force and increasing throughout the day. If you are out recreating today, pay close attention to what your body is telling you about how cold it is. It's not the day to have anything go wrong.

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 will have large scoured sections, significant drifting, and scattered debris from the strong winds.