Lawinenlagebericht

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

Sun
Hochgebirge
3 · Erheblich
Waldgrenze
3 · Erheblich
Unterhalb
2 · Mässig
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Veraltet — dieser Lagebericht ist 5 years ago abgelaufen. Du siehst vergangene Verhältnisse, nicht den aktuellen Bericht.

Kernpunkte

This morning, firm, stubborn wind slabs dominate exposed avalanche paths with some wind protected areas (like Lobster Claw in Tucks) being softer and more sensitive to triggering. Incoming snow will increase the avalanche hazard this afternoon to CONSIDERABLE as wind and warm temperatures, and possibly some rain, create unstable slabs. Human triggering of the new avalanche problem types will become likely as the day progresses. These avalanches may be large enough to bury a person this afternoon and will grow larger into the evening and overnight hours. Natural, wet snow avalanches, particularly at mid elevations, will become possible as well. Cautious route-finding will be essential, along with a keen awareness of weather changes and your exposure to avalanche paths.

Lawinenprobleme

  • Wind Slabs

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Likely
    Größe
    2

    Wind will drift snow into avalanche start zones at upper elevations as soon as it starts falling this afternoon. Relatively light winds from the southwest will start the process, which will continue until later in the afternoon when wind shifts to the west and increases to 60 mph and even higher after dark. Wind will drift snow in more protected areas as it ramps up this afternoon. Wind slabs will grow even larger and may be impacted by the warming this afternoon.  The unstable wind slabs will be sensitive to human triggering throughout the day and may also be resting on an exposed ice crust in a few places.

  • Wet Slabs

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Possible
    Größe
    1–2

    Warming temperatures and some rain will create an “upside down” snow structure today and turn what may have been dry snow into a cohesive slab. Wet loose avalanches, a.k.a. sluffs are one sign that these changes in the snowpack are occurring.The snow on the ground deposited Thursday evening may be affected by this warming and wetting process and contribute to the total mass of snow in a potential avalanche. The entrained snow could pack a punch. Beware of this warming process, especially in more wind sheltered mid-elevation areas where snow was protected from the wind on Thursday night and will be especially sensitive to these changes.

Avalanche Discussion

Between the wind and warming, wetting conditions, there will be alot to account for today when making assessments in the field. Low visibility will not help at all. Good ski tours will most likely be found at middle and lower elevations, before precipitation turns to rain. If you plan to push into steeper terrain, beware of your position in avalanche paths. It’s possible for natural avalanches to entrain more snow than just what is falling today.

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. 

 

 Thursday, March 4 @ 7PM - Avalanche Awareness class with Al Mandell - A Free Zoom Webinar.

 

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.

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