11:34 a.m., Friday, November 9, 2001
   
   WELL HERE WE GO! ANOTHER WINTER IS UPON US SO LETS HOPE FOR A GOOD
   ONE. WE ARE HOPING FOR ABOUT 40-50 INCHES A WEEK, HEY YOU NEVER KNOW.
   BELOW IS OUR FIRST BULLETIN OF THE SEASON.
   
   This is an early season GENERAL ADVISORY. Use of the 5 scale avalanche
   rating system will begin when conditions warrant. Until then new
   advisories will be issued as needed.
   
   We have been in and out of snow and ice a few times, but I think some
   snow fields are now established for the winter after the 20 inch(51
   cm) snowfall of a few                                                                      
   days ago. High winds from the W and NW during this storm loaded
   eastern facing aspects generating snowfields in some of the
   traditional early locations. Left Gully, the Chute, high on the north
   or right side of Tuckerman, and up on the E and NE side of the summit
   cone are some examples of these areas. These snowfields and exposed
   ice are the most likely areas for possible avalanche activity during
   the next series of weather makers. Ice develops rapidly each fall in
   both Ravines and often act as an excellent sliding layer for
   avalanches to occur in pockets that may appear innocuous.
   
   Watch these areas of concern over the next several days as snow
   showers are forecasted everyday into the beginning of next week.
   
   Be aware that a small slab or sluff can be very dangerous. This is
   particularly true in the steep gullies and slopes of Tuckerman and
   Huntington Ravines for early season ice climbers. As a climber picks
   their way through a route they will usually cross small pockets of
   snow. Often this snow has deposited over blue ice, making for a poor
   bond at the interface. Consider this ahead of time and place
   protection before crossing suspect slopes. It doesn't take much snow
   to knock you off your feet and depending how high you are this could
   be a considerable problem.
   
   Be aware of falling ice if we get into thaw periods before the real
   deep winter freeze. Many folks have been injured and killed by falling
   ice so pay attention to where you are, and don't linger when under
   ice. Have a plan in mind about what you will do and where you will go
   if ice comes down. Station yourself near a large rock to duck behind
   in the event of ice fall. Be ice smart.
   
   We are absolutely in early winter in the high mountains so don't plan
   on being able to follow summer trails safely. Trails going through
   Ravines and Gulfs are buried with snow in most areas and require
   winter gear, i.e. winter clothes, ice axe, crampons, avalanche
   beacons, shovels, and probes.
   
   So winter is here! Don't wait any longer to refresh your avalanche
   skills. Pull out your beacon and practice, ONLY YOU CAN SAVE YOUR
   BUDDY!! Review your safe travel rules, techniques for assessing snow
   stability, and sign up for an avalanche course. 
   
   The John Sherburne ski trail is open. However prepare for lots of bare
   spots, rocks, branches, waterbars, and some pretty tough conditions.
   Bring body armor and the rock skis you should of thrown out years ago.
   
   Have fun, be safe, and have a great winter!
   
   PLEASE REMEMBER:
   
   o Any new precipitation may 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.