9:22 a.m., Tuesday, December 24, 2002

   TUCKERMAN AND HUNTINGTON RAVINES HAVE CONSIDERABLE AVALANCHE DANGER.
   Natural avalanches are possible and human triggered avalanches are
   probable. Unstable slabs are probable on steep slopes. Be increasingly
   cautious on steep terrain. The summit has received 3.4 inches (8cm) of
   snow over the past 24 hours with strong winds from the West shifting
   around to the WNW. This should load the ravines with new slab snow.
   Winds are averaging 64 MPH (100 KPH) with a peak gust of 94 MPH (150
   KPH). This will mean that avalanche danger will be in the lower
   reaches of the ravines also, so approaching a climb may be the most
   dangerous part of the trip. I would recommend you find something else
   to do today.

   If you are heading into the mountains bring your crampons, ice axe,
   and the ability to use them with skill. Just under the new snow is a
   very slick ice layer under foot or ski. Be aware that a slip on steep
   terrain could result in a fast and uncontrolled fall. Be prepared to
   self arrest. WE HAD A MINOR FALLING ACCIDENT SUNDAY WHICH COULD OF
   RESULTED IN SIGNIFICANT INJURIES. 2 INDIVIDUALS WERE CLIMBING TOWARDS
   THE SLUICE WITH NO REAL PLAN IN MIND. THEY WERE ATTACHED WITH A ROPE,
   HAD CRAMPONS ON, BUT ONLY HAD ONE ICE AXE BETWEEN THEM. ONE FELL
   PLUCKING THE OTHER OFF DUE TO THE ATTACHED ROPE. THEY FELL TOGETHER
   AND SURPRISINGLY AVOIDED SIGNIFICANT INJURIES.

   If you are heading into the mountains to ice climb, watch out for ice
   dams. With Fridays rain (.83"/2.1cm) followed by freezing
   temperatures, there is still some water behind the ice that is causing
   hydrolic pressure. These ice dams may relieve the pressure by shooting
   water out of ice screws or pushing tons of ice off once a climbers ice
   axe has disturbed the integrity of the ice.

   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 A STEEP AND
   CHALLENGING ROUTE. 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.
   However, waterbars, rocks, brush and patches of water ice 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.

   Brad Ray, Snow Ranger
   USDA Forest Service
   White Mountain National Forest