9:11 a.m., Tuesday, December 17, 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 of Mt Washington received 2.3 inches (5.8) of light density
   snow. Here at Hermit Lake we received approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) of
   3% density snow in the past 24 hours. Winds yesterday were from the
   N/NE, shifted to the N/NW during the night and are now back out of the
   N/NE at 47 mph (75 kph). Today we finally have a good view into the
   ravines. The winds are moving quite a bit of snow down into the
   ravine. You can expect that this will continue through the day with
   more loading occurring on SE and S aspects. Keep this in mind today,
   just because we received and inch or two (2.5-5 cm)of snow some areas
   may have been loaded with up to a foot or two (30-60cm) of new slab.

   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.

   Marianne Leberman, Snow Ranger
   USDA Forest Service
   White Mountain National Forest