8:18 a.m., Friday, January 3, 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.

   The big thing to keep your avalanche eyes on is the approaching storm
   system. It is forecasted to bring 10 to 20 inches (25 to 51 cm) of
   snow to southern areas and 3 to 10 inches (7.5 to 25 cm) of snow to
   northern areas. It is forecasted to move in late this afternoon and
   move out sometime tomorrow. Expect the avalanche danger to increase
   over the next 24 hours. If you are planning on heading into avalanche
   terrain tomorrow, you may want to come up with a new plan. 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 surprise 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.

   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