Lawinenlagebericht

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

Sun
Hochgebirge
4 · Gross
Waldgrenze
4 · Gross
Unterhalb
2 · Mässig
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Kernpunkte

Heavy new snow and wind will create very dangerous avalanche conditions today. Expect increasing avalanche danger throughout the day, especially on slopes that face east, southeast, and south. Avoiding avalanche terrain on these aspects this afternoon is highly recommended.

Lawinenprobleme

  • Wind Slabs

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Very Likely
    Größe
    1–2.5

    Large wind slabs, up to 4 feet in depth, will have the opportunity to build throughout the day primarily on east-facing and south-facing terrain. A significant increase in wind midday will greatly increase the sensitivity and size of slabs. Human triggered avalanches are possible this morning and will be increasingly more likely as the day progresses. Natural avalanches are likely to happen this afternoon through the evening on well-developed easterly snow slopes such as Tuckerman Ravine, Gulf of Slides, and Huntington Ravine. Avoiding avalanche terrain on these aspects is the best way to manage this problem as the danger increases throughout the day.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Possible
    Größe
    1–1.5

    Heavy snowfall on lighter winds this morning creates the potential for small storm slab formation at middle and upper elevations. The formation of this avalanche problem is dependent on more snowfall earlier in the morning before an increase in wind drives snow transport. Look out for signs of instability at the snow surface including cracking and poor bonding to the old snow surface. Conducting multiple hand-sheer assessments is a great way to test the strength of the bond between new and old snow.

Avalanche Discussion

A significant incoming storm is forecast to bring over 12 inches of new snow to the Presidential Range. Some models are projecting higher amounts with the possibility of upslope snowfall enhancement around the higher summits. Initial snowfall on warmer temperatures is likely to bond fairly well to the existing snow surface, but continuous accumulation followed by rapid wind loading throughout the day will likely create a large natural avalanche cycle on easterly slopes later this afternoon through this evening. 

The higher snow moisture content (a warmer and wetter storm) will allow for the progressive building of slabs, leading to an avalanche cycle that produces avalanches large in size and destructive capability. Though our snowpack is unseasonably low, there is a potential for avalanches to propagate across entire starting zones, run deep into runout zones, and be larger than most of the activity we have seen so far this season. Large avalanches in the popular Tuckerman Ravine are likely today which can cover the floor of the ravine and travel all the way to Connection Rescue Cache.

This morning, watch closely for signs of surface instabilities and rapid wind loading happening higher in the terrain. Feeling or hearing a significant increase in wind is a red flag that should warrant turning around today. Decreased visibility may make it hard or impossible to assess if wind-loading is occurring higher in the terrain. It is highly NOT recommended to enter east-facing and south-facing avalanche terrain at middle and upper elevations after 11am this morning. 

Thanks to everyone for taking the time to submit observations of snow and avalanche conditions, both inside and outside our avalanche forecast area. Please keep them coming.

The Lion Head Summer Trail is closed for the season due to avalanche risk. The Lion Head Winter Route is open.

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