9:06 a.m., Tuesday, January 7, 2003

   Tuckerman Ravine has MODERATE AND LOW avalanche danger. Right Gully
   has Moderate avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are unlikely and
   human triggered avalanches are possible. Use caution in steeper
   terrain. All other areas in Tuckerman have Low avalanche danger.
   Natural avalanches are very unlikely and human triggerd avalanches are
   unlikely EXCEPT IN ISOLATED POCKETS. Normal caution is advised. THESE
   POCKETS DO EXIST SO STAY ALERT AS YOU MOVE FROM PLACE TO PLACE IN THE
   RAVINE TODAY. Some examples are high in Hillmans, high center of Left
   Gully, above the narrows in the Chute, some of the fingers between the
   Lip and Sluice, etc. Be aware instability is not limited to just these
   areas.

   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. These pockets do exist,
   examples include the northern gullies but be aware that instability is
   not limited to these areas.

   We received 1 inch (2.5 cm) of light density snow here at Hermit Lake
   in the past 24 hours. The winds are out of the W/NW between 25-30 mph
   (40-50 kph). These winds are moving the light density snow down into
   the ravine. We did witness a small avalanche come down through the
   narrow of Right Gully. This indicates to us that some loading is
   occurring. If the winds increase, they could move more of the snow
   that is still sitting above treeline down into the ravine. Keep in
   mind that areas like the Sluice and the Lip could move towards a
   Moderate rating. Some of the gullies between Lion Head and Right Gully
   picked up so much new snow from last weekends storm that you need to
   pay attention to stay on the Lion Head trail when going towards the
   summit. It is possible in a few locations to wander into avalanche
   terrain just 10 meters south of the trail cairns. This is something to
   keep in mind through out the winter. Snow showers are expected on and
   off through the week so expect loading snow in the ravines. ALSO, WHEN
   THE WINDS DO INCREASE FROM THE W, NW, OR N 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, an ice axe, and the ability to use them
   with skill are required for safe travel.

   The John Sherburne ski trail has improved with this past storm. There
   are a few problem waterbars and rocks still 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.

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