Boletín de aludes

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
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Peligro de aludes

Tue
Alta montaña
3 · Notable
Límite del bosque
3 · Notable
Bajo el límite
2 · Moderado
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Desactualizado: este boletín caducó 6 years ago. Estás viendo condiciones pasadas, no el boletín vigente.

Lo esencial

Strong north-westerly wind will blow recent snowfall onto slopes with an easterly aspect and crossload others. Large natural avalanches will be possible today on some wind loaded slopes, such as the Headwall of Tuckerman Ravine. Isolated areas of unstable wind slabs may be found on aspects in the lee of southwest winds as well. Human triggered avalanches are likely on steep slopes where this snow has drifted and accumulated. Recent shifting winds are a good reason to use extra caution while route-finding. CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger exists today.

Problemas de aludes

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alta montaña
    • Límite del bosque
    • Bajo el límite del bosque
    Probabilidad
    Possible
    Tamaño
    1–2

    Sidewalls of gullies, aprons beneath steep chutes and pillows beneath steep cliffs of ice and rock are examples of areas where the thickest wind slabs tend to accumulate and slide. High wind speeds and low snowfall totals over the past few days have resulted in a high degree of spatial variability so expect to see harder older snow at or near the surface mixed with softer slabs.  A high degree of spatial variability makes it impossible to rule out wind slabs from most aspects. You can find smaller wind slabs on any aspect with the largest being on east and southeast aspects.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alta montaña
    • Límite del bosque
    • Bajo el límite del bosque
    Probabilidad
    Unlikely
    Tamaño
    1–2

    Recent cold temperatures and crusts have driven a faceting problem in areas of thinner snowpack. Natural avalanche activity has occurred on this layer at lower elevations outside our forecast area. Faceted snow has been observed more locally beneath the hard 157mph crust within our forecast area at 4200’. You can also find faceted snow around the Christmas rain crust though that layer is much more deeply buried at mid and upper elevations. This problem was identified at the ground at lower & mid elevations with a thinner snowpack. Snowfall or a skier/climber could overload these weak layers initiating an avalanche in the right conditions. Look and listen for collapsing and whumpfing.

Avalanche Discussion

Natural avalanche activity that had occurred sometime Saturday or Saturday night was observed beneath the cliff band above the Lower Snowfields on Boott Spur and in the runout apron of Duchess. New snow transport was more limited than expected so mostly moderate avalanche conditions prevailed yesterday. Only older avalanche debris was observed yesterday in the Gulf of Slides. All of this adds up to growing wind slabs today with the higher wind speeds. These may be stubborn and possibly well bonded in areas but maybe not. Frigid temperature and a wide variety of bed surfaces create a fair degree of uncertainty about the stability trend.

A considerable avalanche rating, first and foremost describes dangerous avalanche conditions. This danger can come in many forms including large or very large avalanches in just a few areas, or smaller avalanches in many areas. Unlike yesterday, today’s forecast is describing the former. We will see the highest wind speeds recorded in six days today. This wind speed and direction has a track record of producing large to very large natural avalanches, particularly in Tuckerman Ravine, but other areas of steep terrain with a well developed snowpack could also see large naturals today. 

Thanks to everyone for the great observations. The recent reports of faceting around the range have been very helpful. Please keep them coming. 

 A complete incident analysis and report of the fatal avalanche accident that occured last Monday is in progress and will hopefully be completed very soon. Our goal is a comprehensive report of the incident and recovery effort which will be released on this website in the Incidents and Accidents section. We are grateful for the support of Ian’s family and friends as we work through the details of Ian’s trip that day along with the snow and weather factors that led to the avalanches that took his life and buried him. 

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. 

Thursday, February 11 @ 7PM - Patagonia Films Event - Solving for Z

In this film, IFMGA Mountain Guide Zahan Billimoria explores his relationship with risk and reward in the mountains where stunning cinematography and engaging storytelling make this film truly stand out.  This event is FREE and we are excited to host Zahan live at the end of the showing to answer some of your questions live! 

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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