Presidential Range

Avalanches are unlikely on a hard, stable, and icy snowpack. A mountaineering mindset and tools, including crampons, ice axes, and helmets, are necessary for preventing a dangerous fall in steep terrain.

After 2 days of consistent rainfall and warming temperatures, rapidly falling temperatures will create a hard, icy, and stable snowpack. You are not likely to find any avalanche problem today. If the forecast area sees the upper end of potential snowfall totals today, you could find very isolated areas of shallow wind-drifted snow on easterly aspects on top of the widespread icy snow surface. 

Today’s icy snow surface presents a challenging and potentially dangerous scenario with no margin for error if you choose to travel in steep terrain. The current snowpack would be unforgiving in the case of a slip and fall today, and arresting a fall may be impossible in steep terrain. Crampons, ice axes, helmets, and perfect climbing technique can help reduce the risk of a dangerous fall on an icy snowpack. 

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.