Presidential Range

The snowpack at all elevations offers a mix of windpacked-firm drifted snow, strong but often breakable crust, or an impenetrable frozen sliding surface. Watch for isolated pockets of unstable snow most likely found beneath large terrain features. Crampons, an ice axe and the ability to move carefully over consequential terrain will be necessary to prevent a sliding fall, an event which has proven to be dangerous or even deadly. Avalanche danger is LOW, natural and human triggered avalanches are unlikely. 

The Tuckerman Inferno Pentathlon returns on March 20th for it’s 20th anniversary. This key fundraiser for the avalanche center has been re-imagined and now includes fat-tire biking, nordic skiing and snowshoeing before the run to Tucks and ski down. Check it out here.

Our snowpack has been scoured, pounded and packed by a week of very high winds. Stability concerns are limited to isolated, small wind slabs found tucked behind and under rock buttresses and terrain features. As previously mentioned above, an equal or greater concern today is the chance for a dangerous long sliding fall on an icy snow surface. 

Thanks to the kindness of strangers in our climbing community. Yesterday, it was reported that a hiker took a sliding fall on the Winter Lion Head Trail, injuring his shoulder and ankle. Snow rangers responded and found that the injured hiker had been assisted by another hiker. To the kind hiker who abandoned his trip to the summit on a nice day to carefully and patiently help the injured person down below treeline, we thank you! 

Information on all US avalanche fatalities can be found here with details and accident reports appearing as they are submitted to the CAIC.  An interview with Simon Trautman of the National Avalanche Center on the recent cluster of fatal avalanche accidents can be found here. 

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

 Your avalanche, snowpack, or weather observations are extremely valuable to the forecasters at MWAC. Help create a more accurate avalanche forecast by submitting your observations here. 

Listen to the weekly MWAC Outreach Podcast provided by Ski The Whites. Discussions include snowpack information, weekend outlook, and general avalanche related info. 

Our next free online event is coming up Thursday, March 18 @ 7PM -Women’s Backcountry Talk- A Free Zoom Webinar. Signup is required. 

The Harvard Cabin is open for camping only with no entry allowed inside the cabin. There is no access to the breezeway at HoJos.

Please Remember:

• Safe travel in avalanche terrain requires training and experience. This forecast is just one tool to help you make your own decisions in avalanche terrain. You control your own risk by choosing where, when, and how you travel.
• Avalanche danger may change when actual weather differs from the higher summits forecast.

For more information contact the US Forest Service Snow Rangers, AMC visitor services staff at the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center, or the caretakers at Hermit Lake Shelters or seasonally at the Harvard Cabin (generally December 1 through March 31). The Mount Washington Ski Patrol is also available on spring weekends.