Lawinenlagebericht

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

Wed
Hochgebirge
1 · Gering
Waldgrenze
1 · Gering
Unterhalb
1 · Gering
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Kernpunkte

Watch for isolated pockets of unstable snow on steep leeward terrain formed by snow showers overnight and this morning. These drifts of snow may be capable of producing a small avalanche contributing to a sliding fall, an event which has proven to be dangerous or even deadly. Crampons, an ice axe and the ability to move carefully over consequential terrain are necessary due to the current mix of hard frozen surfaces and ice crusts.  Avalanche danger today is LOW: watch for unstable snow that could produce a small avalanche on isolated terrain.

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.

The Winter Lion Head Route is the most direct route to climb to the summit from Pinkham Notch. The Tuckerman Ravine trail through the Bowl, and the Lion Head Summer Trail are much more exposed and pass through avalanche terrain.

Lawinenprobleme

  • Wind Slabs

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

    A small amount of new snow overnight and today will form wind slabs in wind sheltered east facing terrain, primarily at mid elevations. These new wind slabs will be limited in size or non existent, due to the small snow totals and probability for precipitation.  Watch for thin spots in the slab or softer snow that may be found near buttresses, rock outcrops, or trees as isolated pockets that could produce a small avalanche. Older, larger drifts with a firm pencil hard surface may have a softer, weaker layer below so continue to be suspect of the obvious wind loaded slopes of drifted snow.

Avalanche Discussion

Wet snow avalanche hazards will increase over the next few days as temperatures are forecast to rise above freezing at all elevations in the forecast area Wednesday and Thursday. Rapid warming, especially the first occurrence, increases instability in the snowpack by stressing whatever equilibrium is holding snow in place. Just how sensitive the snowpack will be to the effects of warming, depends on the overall structure and how resistant it is to added stress.  Recent wind slab avalanche problems have proven to be stable due to maturity and high winds. With this current baseline of low avalanche danger, results from warming later this week will likely be limited to surface Wet Loose avalanches. 

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.

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