Presidential Range

Conditions are generally safe and large avalanches are unlikely. Small wet slides may become possible as the day warms up. Be prepared for variable surface conditions, including firm steep snow where a slip could have severe consequences.

Earlier this week, cold temperatures following Tuesday's warm-up maintained a solidly refrozen snow surface, keeping the snowpack generally stable and supportive in avalanche terrain.

Temperatures yesterday rose above freezing at all elevations and remained relatively warm overnight. This morning, summit temperatures are just above freezing, and Hermit Lake is already at 41 F. With this head start on warming, the snow surface will soften early and remain soft throughout the day, particularly on south aspects if the sun pokes through the clouds. 

Despite the warmth, we do not expect a significant increase in avalanche hazard. The snowpack remains well bonded and lacks widespread structural weaknesses, and today's warming is unlikely to produce more than small, loose surface sluffing on steep, sunny slopes. Where deeper pockets of softer snow are found, especially in wind sheltered, mid-elevation areas, small skier triggered or natural loose wet avalanches are possible, though these are expected to be small and of little consequence in most terrain.

It is important to remember that LOW avalanche danger does not mean no avalanche danger. People traveling through or beneath avalanche terrain should continue to use safe travel techniques. Even a small sluff in steep, technical terrain can have serious consequences. Sound travel practices, including careful route selection appropriate to your skill level, awareness of changing surface conditions, and carrying a beacon, probe, and shovel, can help keep you safe today. 

While surface snow will be soft in many areas today, this does not eliminate the need for crampons and an ice axe. Shaded slopes may refreeze quickly, and higher elevations or wind-affected areas may remain firm. Be prepared for variable surface conditions, including hard, slick snow where a fall could have serious consequences.

Finally, spring hazards are an increasing concern as warm temperatures continue. In Tuckerman Ravine, the combination of warm air and sun brings the very real possibility of large icefall from the headwall and ice cliffs. Car sized blocks of ice are looming above popular slopes, and these can release without warning as the day warms. Icefall has injured or killed people on the floor of Tuckerman Ravine in past years, and today’s conditions warrant increased caution. Avoid lingering under ice cliffs and stay aware of what is above you.

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.