Lawinenlagebericht

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

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

Kernpunkte

Triggering an avalanche on recent drifted snow is possible today, mainly on steep slopes in east-facing ravines. Watch out for deep drifts where stiff snow has been blown in on softer weaker snow. A climber or skier can easily avoid the avalanche problem by choosing terrain where strong winds scoured new snow away.

Lawinenprobleme

  • Wind Slabs

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

    The higher summits received 17.3 inches of snow over the past three days. The wind slab avalanche problem today is driven by recent strong west and northwest winds creating firm (1F) wind slabs that cover layers of softer, weaker snow. These stiff slabs will be stubborn to a human trigger in most places, though capable of producing an avalanche large enough to bury a person (D1-D2) should a skier or climber find the thin spot which triggers a slide release on the layer of weaker snow beneath. These new wind slabs are specific in terms of distribution in the terrain, existing mainly in wind protected lee features. You can reduce your risk by assessing the snow carefully. Listen and feel for a snow surface that is like a drum. It may feel hollow beneath. An easy test is to push the handle of a ski pole into the snow feeling for softer snow beneath, or use your hand to dig down and look at the snow structure. Hard snow over soft snow is the problem you want to avoid.

    Tuckerman Ravine, 1/19/2022

Avalanche Discussion

Intense cold, high wind speeds and low visibility since the MLK storm on Monday has handicapped our ability to get quality snowpack observations in the most critical locations. Mt. Washington relaxed slightly yesterday afternoon, giving us hazy views into Tuckerman Ravine and the Ammonoosuc Ravine side of Mount Washington. Overall, the 17” of snow worked to fill in and connect some start zones, especially in Tuckerman Ravine. On the western side of the range, high wind scoured much of the recent snow, leaving terrain above treeline not significantly different than before the storm. 

The Lion Head Summer Trail is now closed for the season due to avalanche risk. The Lion Head Winter Route is the preferred option to the summit.

Observations: Share what you see this season. Submitting an observation hones your skills, informs the community, and improves our avalanche forecast. We may not respond, but we read and appreciate every single observation. 

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