8:14 a.m., Wednesday, December 18, 2002

   TUCKERMAN RAVINE HAS MODERATE AND LOW AVALANCHE DANGER. The Lower
   Snowfields and the Little Headwall have Low avalanche danger. Natural
   avalanches are very unlikley and human triggered avalanche are
   unlikely. All other areas in Tuckerman have Moderate avalanche danger.
   Natural avalanches are unlikely and human triggered avalanches are
   possible on steep snow covered open slopes and gullies. Be 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.

   Over the past 24 hours temperatures have been warming up giving us a
   high summit temperature of 23 degrees (-4c) recorded at 0700 this
   morning. This warming trend, yesterdays clear sunny day and, most
   importantly, time have allowed the snowpack to settle a bit since the
   last new snowfall of 2.3" (5.8cm) which fell on Monday. It will
   continue to settle throughout the day with warmer temperatures and
   solar gain on south facing aspects. If you are heading into Tuckerman
   Ravine, keep in mind that it has just come down from considerable.

   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.

   Brian Johnston, Snow Ranger
   USDA Forest Service
   White Mountain National Forest