8:48 a.m., Friday, December 13, 2002

   TUCKERMAN RAVINE CURRENTLY HAS LOW AND MODERATE AVALANCHE DANGER. The
   Little Headwall, the Lower Snowfields,Hillmans Highway, and Left Gully
   have LOW avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are very unlikely and
   human triggered avalanches are unlikely except in isolated pockets on
   steep snow covered open slopes and gullies. Normal caution is advised.
   These pockets DO EXIST so read on below for the snow discussion. All
   other areas in Tuckerman have MODERATE avalanche danger. Natural
   avalanches are unlikely and human triggered avalanches are POSSIBLE.
   Use caution in steeper terrain.

   HUNTINGTON RAVINE HAS LOW AVALANCHE DANGER. Natural avalanches are
   very unlikely and human triggered avalanches are unlikely except in
   isolated pockets on steep snow covered open slopes and gullies. Normal
   caution is advised. These pockets DO EXIST so again read on below for
   the snow discussion.

   The storm didn't quite play out as forecasted by the NWS, but at least
   we got some snow! The summit received about half an inch (1.25 cm) and
   we picked up 4.25 inches (10.8 cm) down here at Hermit Lake. Just
   after the precipitation ended around 9:00 am on Thursday warmer air
   moved in and it got up to 35 degrees F (2.C)at 3800 ft (1160 M). Light
   winds shifted around through the E, NE, N and is currently holding out
   of the NW. Although early this morning winds were in the 40-45 mph
   (65-70 kph) range only light loading occured from above treeline. This
   is due to only scant precipitation amounts above the start zones.
   However, some loading has occured in strong lee areas from NW winds,
   so keep your eyes open. We still have some concerns about buried weak
   layers, such as the grapel we have discussed through the week, in the
   eastern and southeastern aspects of Tuckerman. The new snow became
   quite heavy and wet with freewater present due to warming temperature
   yesterday. Over night the temperature dropped to 24 degree F (-2 C) at
   Hermit Lake under clearing skies. These weather conditions made for
   classic diurnal recrystalization of the new snow. What was wet snow
   yesterday appeared to be new "dry" powder this morning. Upon
   observations there is a about a 2.5 degree C temperature gradient in
   the upper 10 cm of new snow facilitating the movement of vapor.
   Yesterdays spatial dendrite new snow crystals are .5mm-.75mm facets
   this morning. I doubt this will amount to much but we'll watch it and
   report any concerns as time progresses. Today's warm temperatures and
   solar gain should change these crystals once again, at least on
   southern aspects. Clouds are anticipated to move in with rain, sleet,
   or snow after midnight and run through most of tomorrow. Snow may load
   over these facets on northern aspects, but it's possible that these
   crsytals may become obliterated and not reform on southern aspects due
   to warm air and incoming cloud cover today.

   THE WINTER LION HEAD ROUTE IS NOW OPEN. IT LEAVES FROM THE HUNTINGTON
   FIRE ROAD AND HAS ORANGE SIGNS STARTING ON THE TUCKERMAN RAVINE TRAIL
   AT ROUGHLY THE 1.8 MILE MARK. IT IS STEEP AND CHALLENGING, CRAMPONS,
   AN ICE AXE, AND THE ABILITY TO USE THEM WITH SKILL ARE REQUIRED FOR
   SAFE TRAVEL.

   THE BEST HOLIDAY GIFT YOU CAN GET YOUR BACKCOUNTRY LOVED ONE TO
   EXPRESS CARING AND CONCERN IS THE AVALANCHE BEACON, PROBE, AND SHOVEL.
   TOO EXPENSIVE? THINK OF THE CONSEQUENCES OR SPLIT THE GIFT WITH
   ANOTHER RELATIVE OR FRIEND. YOU'LL NEVER REGRET GIVING IT, ONLY REGRET
   NOT GIVING IT.

   AS ALWAYS, THIS ADVISORY IS ONE MORE TOOL TO HELP YOU MAKE YOUR OWN
   DECISIONS IN AVALANCHE TERRAIN. It should be used along with your own
   snow stability assessments, knowledge of safe travel techniques, skill
   in mountain weather's effect on the snowpack, and avalanche rescue.

   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 avalanche bulletin will expire at midnight.

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