Presidential Range

A firm and refreezing snowpack creates hazardous slide-for-life conditions today on all steep snow-covered surfaces across the compass. Bring mountaineering tools like crampons, an ice axe, and a helmet, as well as the skills to use them. Sure footwork will be your best defense to prevent a fall, as self-arrest may be difficult on firm, steep surfaces.

Today, temperatures are forecast to rapidly drop below freezing by 8:00 AM at all elevations. Expect to find firm and refreezing snow surfaces today. Bring a mountaineering mindset along with mountaineering tools to increase your security while you travel on steep, snow and ice-covered slopes. 

Later in the afternoon, up to one inch of snow is forecast. While it is not likely to create a large avalanche problem, it could create thin wind slabs that could cause a fall. You will most likely encounter these on east-facing slopes. Look out for snow falling late in the afternoon and look to see if it is accumulating in eastern terrain features. This will be smooth, bright white, and in contrast with the gray and firm old snow surface.

The rain, warm temperatures, and fog have continued to drive the development of various mountain hazards that should be factored into your decision-making and route planning. The snowpack is rapidly disappearing; the summit lost 5 inches of snow with a current snow depth of 1 inch, and Hermit Lake lost nearly 8 inches of snow. Large, deep, and open holes exist in many places. One of the most consequential open holes is near The Lip in Tuckerman Ravine. Learn more about springtime mountain hazards and how you could manage them.  

OBSERVATIONS: Please consider submitting an observation on our website or in the new Avy phone app of what you are seeing in your travels. Submitting an observation hones your skills, informs other users, and improves our forecasts.