8:01 a.m., Thursday, January 2, 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 summit has picked up another inch of snow
   (2.5cm) after a period of rain showers last night that started around
   5 p.m. You will find old and new snow surface in both ravines. Be
   aware that isolated pockets of new snow may be unstable. Stay on the
   old surface when possible and use your stability assessment skills
   when you encounter new snow deposits. Yesterday we found a wide range
   of Low conditions in Tuckerman Ravine. The surface conditions ranged
   from unbreakable crust, breakable crust, and new snow deposits. In
   most places these deposits were bonded very well to the surface,
   however, we did find small pockets of slab that had quality one
   (smooth surface with no irregularities), very easy shears on loose
   snow. One of the concerns for mountain travel today is the areas of
   breakable crust. Due to its variability, it may sneak up on you and
   suprise you. This could result in a sliding fall or lower leg injury.
   In some of the gullies, this breakable crust may be a constant theme
   so expect slow travel conditions. Our next notable weather maker is
   forecasted for Saturday, however, with cloudy conditions I wouldn't be
   suprised to see snow showers between now and then. Remember that with
   the right winds and just a little bit of new snow the avalanche danger
   can increase quickly.

   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 in
   places. The best of 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