Presidential Range

Avalanches are unlikely, but an icy, hard snow surface has created a high-risk scenario for anyone traveling in steep terrain. A mountaineering mindset and tools, including crampons, ice axes, and helmets, are necessary to prevent a dangerous fall in steep terrain.

Expect to find a mostly stable and consolidated snowpack across the Presidential Range. While this snowpack is unlikely to create avalanches, traveling on a firm, icy snow surface presents a significant hazard today in steep terrain. 

It’s worth refreshing your knowledge on the most dangerous mountain hazards you could encounter during this time of year. 

• Long Sliding Falls: Long sliding falls are one of the most serious hazards in the White Mountains during the winter and spring. When snow surfaces become firm or icy, especially after a freeze or rain event, a simple stumble can quickly turn into an uncontrollable slide-for-life. These falls often result in traumatic injuries and can be fatal. Steep terrain like the Summer Lion Head Trail Traverse leaves little room for error. Preventing a fall is your best defense: this means wearing crampons, using an ice axe, and using deliberate, well-practiced footwork. Once you're sliding, it’s often too late.Exposed rocks, trees, and ice could amplify the consequences of a fall. Knowing what is below you will be important as these hazards can make more areas no-fall zones.
• Undermined snow: Meltwater flowing under the snowpack melts away the snow above, creating thin bridges of snow that can collapse. These will emerge at the tops of gullies (particularly on south-facing slopes) and in areas that have streams running, like the brook feeding the Little Headwall. The sound of running water can sometimes be heard under the snow and is a good indicator of this hazard.
• Snow holes: Snow holes are opening up. These openings in the snowpack can be very deep and large enough for a person to fall into. In most cases, these openings have no reasonable exit until the snow completely finishes melting. These features have been a factor in several accidents over the years.

Check out our Springtime Mountain Hazards page for more info.

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.