7:51 a.m., Wednesday, December 25, 2002

   TUCKERMAN AND HUNTINGTON RAVINES HAVE MODERATE AVALANCHE DANGER.
   Natural avalanches are unlikely and human triggered avalanches are
   possible. Unstable slabs are possible on steep slopes. The strong
   winds yesterday morning have deposited any loose snow on lee slopes
   and wind protected areas. Stick to areas of old hard surfaces and
   avoid the areas of new wind slab.

   The big news today is the impending storm with a foot or more of snow
   expected. It should start this morning or early afternoon and end
   tomorrow. This new snow will increase the avalanche danger, so watch
   for changing weather conditions, and plan accordingly.

   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