Presidential Range

Conditions are generally safe and large avalanches are unlikely. Small wet slides may become possible as the day warms up. Be prepared for variable surface conditions, including hard, slick snow where a slip could have severe consequences.

For the third day in a row, we do not have an avalanche problem listed. Cold temperatures since Wednesday have maintained a solid refrozen snow surface, following the warming event earlier this week on Tuesday. These cold conditions have worked to lock up the snowpack, keeping it generally stable and supportive in avalanche paths. 

Today the weather pattern changes. Temperatures are forecast to rise above freezing at all elevations, with high temperatures expected to exceed 32 F by mid-morning at ravine elevations, and by late morning on the higher summits. In addition to ambient warming, solar radiation on southerly aspects will amplify the warming effects and further soften the snow surface in sun exposed terrain.

Despite the warming today, we do not expect a significant increase in avalanche hazard. The currently stable snowpack lacks widespread structural weaknesses, and today's warming is unlikely to generate more than small, loose surface sluffing primarily on steep, sunny slopes where surface softening occurs. However if localized areas of deeper softer snow are encountered, particularly in wind sheltered middle elevation areas, small skier triggered or natural loose wet avalanches are possible, though expected to remain small and relatively inconsequential in size.

It is important to remember that Low avalanche danger does not mean no avalanche danger. People moving through or below avalanche terrain should not let their guard down. Even small sluffs in steep or technical terrain can have serious consequences. Good travel practices, including careful route selection that matches your skill level, awareness of changing surface conditions, and carrying a beacon, probe, and shovel, are important for anyone venturing into avalanche terrain.

Additionally, while surface snow will likely soften today, this does not eliminate the need for crampons and an ice axe. Shaded slopes can refreeze in minutes, and in some areas, especially at higher elevations or where wind keeps the surface cool, the snow may remain firm all day. Even in sun-exposed terrain, snow may be slow to soften. Be prepared for variable surface conditions, including hard, slick snow where a slip could have severe consequences.

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.