The Entrance to the Valley                             NW     N     NE 
(-------------------------------------------------)     W <---(M)---> E
                                                        -      #      -

You are standing upon the southern edge of a large snow covered valley. 
You raise your hand to protect your face from the swirling snow and sleet
which obscures your vision more than a few yards in any direction.  The
ankle deep snow makes travel slow and hazardous.  To the south you see the
enormous glacier that contains the entrance to this valley.  
Some drops of blood are on the ground.
A solid white wild dog with a long bushy tail snarls angrily at you.