9:42 a.m., Friday, November 1, 2002

   Winter is back in the mountains! Lets all hope for a good winter with
   lots of low density snow and nice sunny days in between storms. If you
   haven't already been reviewing your avalanche skills get going, winter
   is here! Be prepared and well practiced in snow stability assessment,
   travel in avalanche terrain, and avalanche rescue.

   This is an early season GENERAL ADVISORY. Use of the 5 scale avalanche
   rating system will begin when conditions warrant. Until then new
   advisories will be issued as needed. Check csac.org frequently as
   we move into November and certainly check for the latest avalanche 






   advisory before heading into avalanche terrain.

   We received 20 inches of snow during the month of October which is
   about 60% above normal, so we're of to a good start. Snow showers are
   forecasted for the mountains today with W and NW winds. As the day
   progresses winds should increase from 25 to 45 mph from the W then
   shift from the NW. Expect winds to continue to increase through the
   evening as a front brings Artic air down from Canada. The first half
   of the weekend will be quite cold up high before tempering a bit on
   Sunday. High winds will continue to load new snow onto the small
   snowfields in some of the traditional early locations. Some examples
   of typical early season pockets are, high in Left Gully, the Chute,
   high on the north or right side of Tuckerman, and up on the E and NE
   side of the summit cone. These snowfields, as well as, exposed ice are
   the most likely areas for possible avalanche activity during the next
   series of weather makers. Ice develops rapidly each fall in both
   Ravines and often act as an excellent sliding layer for avalanches to
   occur in small pockets that may appear innocuous. It is definitely
   still early so I don't want to overplay the current hazard or problems
   out there. However accidents usually occur when you aren't paying
   attention and don't expect them. The first avalanche accident
   involving 3 people occured last year in early November so start
   keeping your eyes open.

   Be aware that a small slab or sluff can be very dangerous. This is
   particularly true in the steep gullies and slopes of Tuckerman and
   Huntington Ravines for early season ice climbers. As a climber picks
   their way through a route they will usually cross small pockets of
   snow. Often this snow has deposited over blue ice, making for a poor
   bond at the interface. Consider this ahead of time and place
   protection before crossing suspect slopes. It doesn't take much snow
   to knock you off your feet and depending how high you are this could
   be a considerable problem.

   Be aware of falling ice if we get into thaw periods before the real
   deep winter freeze. Many folks have been injured and killed by falling
   ice so pay attention to where you are, and don't linger when under
   ice. Have a plan in mind about what you will do and where you will go
   if ice comes down. Station yourself near a large rock to duck behind
   in the event of ice fall. Be ice smart.

   We are absolutely in early winter in the high mountains so don't plan
   on being able to follow summer trails safely. Trails going through
   Ravines and Gulfs are buried with snow in many areas and require
   winter gear, i.e. winter clothes, ice axe, crampons, avalanche
   beacons, shovels, and probes.

   So, winter is here! Don't wait any longer to refresh your avalanche
   skills. Pull out your beacon and practice, ONLY YOU CAN SAVE YOUR
   BUDDY!! Review your safe travel rules, techniques for assessing snow
   stability, and sign up for an avalanche course. We will have all the
   avalanche courses offered in the valley this winter on our website,
   csac.org very soon.

   Thanks in advance to all the groups that will once again be helping us
   make it through the season successfully. We couldn't do the job
   without the many volunteer hours carrying hurt people down the
   mountain and the financial support helping us upgrade rescue
   capabilities. We sincerely appreciate all your help.

   PLEASE REMEMBER:

   o Any new precipitation may increase the avalanche danger, this
   includes wind transported snow.

   o Obtain latest weather forecast before starting out.

   o For more information, contact the U.S. Forest Service Snow Rangers:
   AMC at Pinkham Notch Visitor Center or Hermit Lake Shelters.

   o This General Avalanche Bulletin will be updated as needed.

   Christopher Joosen, Snow Ranger
   USDA Forest Service
   White Mountain National Forest