9:17 a.m., Monday, December 16, 2002

   TUCKERMAN RAVINE HAS MODERATE AND CONSIDERABLE AVALANCHE DANGER. The
   Lower Snowfields and the Little Headwall have Moderate avalanche
   danger. Natural avalanches are unlikley and human triggered avalanche
   are possible. Be cautious in steeper terrain. All other areas in
   Tuckerman have Considerable avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are
   possible and human triggered avalanches are probable on steep snow
   covered open slopes and gullies. Be increasingly cautious in steeper
   terrain.

   HUNTINGTON RAVINE HAS MODERATE AVALANCHE DANGER. Natural avalanches
   are unlikley and human triggered avalanche are possible. Be cautious
   in steeper terrain.

   The summit and Hermit Lake received approximately 1.5 inches (4 cm) of
   light density snow in the past 24 hours. Light snow continues to fall
   and is forecasted to continue into the afternoon. Winds are expected
   to shift from the NW to the NE and increase through the day, so
   continued light loading will occur. The Ravines have been socked in
   with clouds and blowing snow for days now. I suspect we will once
   again see some dramatic snow cover changes from earlier in the week.
   We've pick up around 10 inches (25 cm) over the past 5 days with WNW
   and NW winds prevailing. These 'Ravine loading' winds with snow is
   ideal for piling it in on E, SE, and S aspects. The deepest area of
   snow deposition in Tuckerman is traditionally right next to 'Lunch
   Rocks'and already has at least 35-40 feet (12-14 m) on the ground, if
   not more! A 15 minute walk down to our Hermit Lake manual snow plot
   shows only 33 inches (85 cm). This is a great example of what winds
   can do to move snow into strong lee pockets. In this situation we have
   over a foot (30 cm) for every inch (2.5 cm)of snow at Hermit Lake.
   Keep this in mind today and in the future when we 'only' get an inch
   or two (2.5-5 cm) overnight. Some areas may have been loaded with up
   to a foot or two (30-60 cm) of new slab. The forecasted snow showers
   with winds shifting from the NW to the NE will continue loading both
   Ravines. Loading will be predominately on SE and S facing aspects, but
   expect the cross loading of others. So expect an increasing avalanche
   danger as the day continues. Variable conditions DO exist so don't be
   lulled into thinking stability is wide spread just because you are on
   a thick crust where you're standing.

   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.

   THE WINTER LION HEAD ROUTE IS NOW OPEN. THE ROUTE 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 John Sherburne ski trail is coming along slowly and improving.
   But, waterbars, rocks, and brush will challenge even the best skier
   for a safe and pleasurable trip down.

   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.

   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