8:59 a.m., Wednesday, January 1, 2003

   Tuckerman Ravine and Huntington Ravine have LOW avalanche danger.
   Natural avalanches are very unlikely and human triggered avalanches
   are unlikely except in isolated pockets. Normal caution is advised.

   Over the past 24 hours the weather on Mt. Washington has been a mixed
   bag. It has been raining and snowing off and on throughout this
   period. The summit is reporting 1.6" (4cm) of snow that fell in
   between rain showers. Yesterdays rain showers helped stabilize the
   snowpack and falling temperatures have created a breakable crust on
   the surface. Since midnight, the summit recieved .74" (1.9cm) of snow.
   This snow fell onto a forming crust layer. In some places the adhesion
   should be very good and in others it may be poor depending on wether
   the surface of the crust is rough or smooth and wether there was free
   water on the surface at the time of depostion. With this in mind, be
   prepared for isolated pockets of instablity in lee aspects of the
   prevailing westerly winds. Try to stay on old surface when possible.
   Also be prepared for slow travel conditions due to the breakable
   crust, especially if you are venturing off trail. Snow and sleet are
   forecasted for the valleys tonight and tomorrow morning. It is unclear
   how much snow the mountain will get, so be prepared for changing
   conditions.

   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 rough. Waterbars, rocks, brush and
   patches of water ice equal the amount of snow cover on the trail. The
   best of rock skiers will probaby find it challenging.

   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