8:30 a.m., Thursday, December 26, 2002

   TUCKERMAN AND HUNTINGTON RAVINES HAVE HIGH AVALANCHE DANGER. Natural
   and human triggered avalanches are likely. Unstable slabs are likely
   on a variety of aspects and slope angles. Travel in avalanche terrain
   is not recommended.

   The storm that clobbered the southern part of the state through New
   York didn't hammer us as I hoped. 2 feet (60 cm) or more of snow fell
   in the high precipitation bands of this large storm. The summit only
   picked up 3.9 inches (10 cm) while we received 8 inches (20 cm) of 11%
   density snow down here at Hermit Lake. It's hard to say what different
   elevations between 3800ft (1160 m) and 6288ft (1917 m)picked up for
   amounts. It could be a slow transition from 8" to 4" up high or 8"
   most of the way up the summit cone. Snow fall began with moderate SE
   winds at 40-45 mph (65-72 kph) and continued to fall as winds backed
   around counter clockwise to hold out of the NW where it was gusting to
   90 mph (145 kph) at 5-6am. These high winds are bringing snow from the
   traditional windward side of the mountain that E winds loaded from the
   early hours of the storm. This is an excellent scenario to bring the
   maximum amount of loading out of a 4-8" snowfall. In addition, the
   steady transition from moderate to higher wind speeds should create a
   hard slab of greater density snow over softer slabs and unconsolidated
   loose snow. This will contribute to unstable slabs on a variety of
   slope angles and aspects. Upslope snow showers are forecasted by the
   NWS for the mountains today so anticipate new larger crystals to mix
   with small wind beaten grains.

   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 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 are hiding
   just under the new snow.

   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