7:58 a.m., Wednesday, January 8, 2003

   Tuckerman Ravine has MODERATE and CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger today.
   The Little Headwall has MODERATE avalanche danger. Natural avalanches
   are unlikely and human triggered avalanches are possible. Use caution
   in steeper terrain. All other areas in Tuckerman Ravine have
   CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are possible and
   human triggered avalanches are probable. Unstable slabs are probable
   on steep terrain. Be increasingly cautious in steeper terrain.

   Huntington Ravine has CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger. Natural
   avalanches are possible and human triggered avalanches are probable.
   Unstable slabs are probable on steep terrain. Be increasingly cautions
   in steeper terrain.

   The summit has received 1.7" (4.5 cm) of snow in the past 24 hours and
   it is still snowing here at Hermit Lake. While this new snow is a
   factor in the avalanche danger today, the real big factor is the west
   winds. They are forecasted to blow between 40 and 60 mph (64 to 96
   kph) throughout the day. These are the strongest westerly winds that
   we will have had since the big storm on Saturday. What this means is
   that there is potential for a lot of snow to load into both Tuckerman
   and Huntington Ravines. Be aware of this factor if you are heading
   into the mountains today. It is not just today's new snow that we are
   concerned about loading onto the slopes.

   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.

   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.

   Brian Johnston, Snow Ranger
   USDA Forest Service
   White Mountain National Forest