10:19 a.m., Sunday, January 5, 2003

   Tuckerman Ravine has LOW AND MODERATE avalanche danger. Hillmans
   Highway, The Lower Snowfield, and the Little Headwall have Low
   avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are very unlikely and human
   triggerd avalanches are unlikely EXCEPT IN ISOLATED POCKETS. Normal
   caution is advised. All other areas in Tuckerman have Moderate
   avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are unlikely and human triggered
   avalanches are possible. Use caution in steeper terrain.

   Huntington Ravine has MODERATE avalanche danger. Natural avalanches
   are unlikely and human triggered avalanches are possible on steep snow
   cover open slopes and gullies. Use caution in steeper terrain.

   We have had a very unusual set of weather conditions during this past
   storm which has given us atypical avalanche danger. Hermit Lake picked
   up another 6 inches which has brought the total storm amount to 12
   inches including settlement. The storm began with SE winds and hung
   from the E and ENE for the majority of the snowfall with high winds
   maxing out in the 80-85 mph range. Winds moved up to the NE last night
   and stalled there occasionally moving back to the ENE. Speeds remained
   light in the 20-30 mph range. Usually winds slowly creep around to our
   prevailing winds from the NW or W. This is not forecasted to occur.
   Winds are expected to slowly shift back down through the E and sit
   back out of the SE. It's a very strange set of weather events. So the
   significant loading we were expecting late yesterday and last night
   did not occur. However E and NE winds did cross load gullies and
   snowfields with either a Northern or Southern aspect. So several areas
   of concern are the northern gullies in Huntington, the top of gullies
   from Lion Head to high up past the Lip here in Tuckerman. This
   includes Right Gully and the Sluice. Be aware that these are not the
   only locations of instability. NE winds have also cross loaded the
   southern aspects near the top of the Chute and Left Gully. There is
   very little old surface in Huntington, but here in Tuckerman an fair
   amount is visible so stick to these areas whenever possible. I do
   think that when you move off old surface into new pockets you may find
   unstable soft slab. So be cautious when you move off of the old
   surface. Snow showers are expected on and off through the week so
   expect loading snow in the ravines. ALSO, WHEN THE WINDS DO BEGIN TO
   WRAP AROUND TO THE SW, W, NW, OR N AND INCREASE, EXPECT A SIGNFICANT
   AMOUNT OF LOADING TO OCCUR. This is the primary avalanche factor we
   are watching right now. So watch the wind speeds and directions
   closely.

   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, and ice axe, and the ability to use them
   with skill are required for safe travel.

   The John Sherburne ski trail is getting better with this past storm.
   However, waterbars, rocks, and are hidden 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