9:01 a.m., Tuesday, December 31, 2002

   Tuckerman Ravine has Low, Moderate, and Considerable Avalanche Danger.
   The Little Headwall has LOW avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are
   very unlikely and human triggered avalanches are unlikely except in
   isolated pockets. Normal caution is advised. Left Gully, Hillmans
   Highway, and the Lower Snowfields have MODERATE avalanche danger.
   Natural avalanches are unlikely and human triggered avalanches are
   possible. Use caution in steeper terrain. All other areas in Tuckerman
   have CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are possible
   and human triggered avalanches are probable. Be increasingly cautious
   in steeper terrain.

   Huntington Ravine has LOW Avalanche Danger. Natural avalanches are
   very unlikely and human triggered avalanches are unlikely except in
   isolated pockets. Normal caution is advised.

   The summit picked up another inch of snow in last 24 hours. They
   picked up a half inch yesterday of light density snow and another half
   inch early this morning that was a heavier wet snow. The winds ranged
   from the NNW at 60+ mph, moved around to the SW around 30 mph and are
   currently from the W at 47 mph. You should expect that lee areas have
   picked up new snow. The ravines are currently in the fog and we are
   expecting to receive freezing rain and snow on and off today. The warm
   front that is moving through bringing this weather should move out by
   later today. Another system should move in late Wednesday bringing a
   chance of more snow showers. With the poor visibility it is all the
   more important to use your safe travel techniques in avalanche
   terrain. As mentioned in Sunday's bulletin the stability is quite
   variable so you will be moving through changing snow stability in
   avalanche terrain today. In areas posted as Low in Huntington Ravine,
   isolated pockets of instability DO EXIST so stay on old surface
   whenever possible.

   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 any 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.

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