7:40 a.m., Friday, April 14, 2000
                                      
   The avalanche danger for Tuckerman Ravine is MODERATE. Human triggered
   avalanches are POSSIBLE. Natural avalanches are unlikely. Caution is
   advised on steep snow covered open slopes and gullies.
   
   AVALANCHE FORECASTING IN HUNTINGTON RAVINE HAS ENDED FOR THE SEASON.
   WE WILL CONTINUE FORECASTING FOR TUCKERMAN RAVINE UNTIL MEMORIAL DAY.
   
   High pressure and relatively cold temperatures continued to dominate
   our weather picture overnight. This pattern will continue today,
   though the high pressure is moving offshore. Clouds will be increasing
   today, as the next frontal system passes through the area. Weekend
   weather forecasts are calling for clouds and scattered showers for
   tonight. Partial
   
                                                                         
                                                                         
                                                                         
   
                                                                         
   clearing behind the frontal system will improve the weather for first
   half of the weekend and into Sunday. Clouds and rain showers are in
   the forecast for late Sunday and into Monday.
   
   The prevailing cold temperatures overnight have not helped to
   stabilize the snowpack, so we will continue to keep the avalanche
   danger at MODERATE. The summit of Mount Washington reported almost a
   foot of snow over the past week. This was accompanied by strong winds
   from the West and Northwest. This has caused a good deal of wind
   loading onto the easterly facing slopes of Tuckerman Ravine. Slopes
   with a south-easterly aspect seemed to have picked up the most snow.
   This includes Right Gully, Sluice, and Lip areas. Continuing caution
   is advised when travelling over areas of newly deposited, wind-drifted
   snow.
   
   There was an avalanche accident in Tuckerman Ravine yesterday. A skier
   triggered a moderate sized slab avalanche which caught his partner,
   and took him for a ride through the Lunch Rocks. The skier who
   triggered the slide was able to ski out of the moving snow. An initial
   fracture line profile indicated that the fracture was 110 feet wide,
   and 8 inches deep. The slide was triggered on a SE aspect to the
   skiers right of the Sluice. The victim suffered some potentially
   serious injuries, and a full blown evacuation was required. The
   avalanche danger yesterday was MODERATE, and had been CONSIDERABLE the
   previous day. MODERATE avalanche danger indicates that human triggered
   avalanches are possible. Travelers in avalanche terrain often
   underestimate the seriousness of a MODERATE rating, especially when
   the weather is beautiful. Keep your eyes open up there. Practice safe
   travel techniques at all times when there is the possibility of
   avalanches.
   
   Falling ice is common in the spring. In Tuckerman several hundred tons
   forms on the headwall during the winter and it all falls in the
   spring, usually on the nice warm days when people are basking on the
   rocks, watching all the excitement or lack of it. If you park yourself
   in the ravine, avoid being under any ice or have a nice big rock that
   you can duck behind quickly. Several people have been killed by
   falling ice.
   
   Crevasses and undermined snow appear as the snow pack slowly creeps
   downhill and separates from the ledges on the Headwall. These openings
   vary from a few inches to 80 feet (24m) deep. This includes the main
   waterfall on the Headwall. Several people have seriously injured
   and/or killed falling into these crevasses.
   
   Due to the threat of avalanches on the Lion Head Summer Trail, the
   LION HEAD WINTER ROUTE is recommended. Climbers using this route
   should be aware that the trail is steep and challenging. Good winter
   mountaineering technique is essential, as well as crampons and an ice
   axe. Please note that the winter route passes thru avalanche terrain.
   Climbers on the route must be sure to not stray from the trail.
   
   Skiers should take note that skiing down to Hermit Lake from Tuckerman
   Bowl is no longer an option. You will have to walk down the Tuckerman
   Ravine trail, same way that you went up.
   
   The Sherburne ski trail has ice and bare spots. Currently it is very
   slick and is closed about half way down due to rocks, mud and grass
   below. If you make it to the closure, you need to cross at this
   location to the Tuckerman Ravine hiking trail and WALK the rest of the
   distance to Pinkham Notch.
   
   Please do not ski, slide or ride on the Tuckerman Ravine Trail.
   
   PLEASE REMEMBER:
   
   o Any new precipitation will increase the avalanche danger.
   
   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.