Huntington Ravine has LOW avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are very unlikely and human triggered avalanches are unlikely except in isolated pockets. Normal caution is advised.

Clear cold conditions are giving us the first unobstructed views into the Ravines in a few days. If you have been following our advisories you may be wondering how we can go from High to Low in some areas so quickly. The answer is avalanche activity and high winds. First, lets start with Huntington as it is less complex. Yesterday winds were out of the WNW and W and blew over 100 mph (161 kph) for several hours with a peak gust at 117 mph (187 kph). These winds scoured all the gullies in Huntington leaving them with Low avalanche danger. In Tuckerman there is a lot of variability from one place to the next. Left Gully and Hillman's both avalanched and Left Gully still has a crisp fracture line in its start zone. There has been very little new snow deposited in these two locations since they avalanched leaving them with Low avalanche danger. The Lower Snowfields were affected by cross loading leaving large waves of new snow. While this is also posted at Low, you should be on the lookout for isolated areas of instability as they do exist. The areas posted at Moderate vary in their degree of issues. The Little Headwall picked up a fair amount of new snow and it is possible you could trigger a slide in this small forecast area. Right Gully should be considered at the upper end of the Moderate rating as it is loaded up with plenty of new slab. The Bowl and Headwall have quite a bit of wind effected snow down low and some fracture lines in the upper third of the south side of the Bowl. However, areas like the Chute and in places under the Headwall have some smooth slabs that may be prone to a human triggered avalanche. As you head into the Sluice and the Lip you will find the areas of most concern today. These are wind loaded and have not experienced the stabilizing effect that high winds can have and they have re-loaded since their last avalanche. In these two areas I feel that human triggered avalanches are probable.

While the bright sunshine makes it look inviting outside, it is still quite cold. The current temperature on the Summit is -24 F (-31 C) and the winds are out of the NW at 71 mph (113 kph). You must be very well prepared to be out in these conditions. It is worth noting that the Summit broke a record low temperature for yesterday reaching -37 F (-38 C).

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, drifting and scattered debris from the strong winds.