Presidential Range

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

Expect to find a mostly stable and consolidated snowpack across the Presidential Range today. While a wintry mix or even rain is expected later, the incoming precipitation is unlikely to add significant instability to the current snowpack, given the existing structure. Watch for surface snow becoming slick or glazed in exposed areas as mixed precipitation falls.

Yesterday, we responded to a search and rescue call involving a group of three skiers in Hillman’s Highway, Tuckerman Ravine. The first skier encountered refrozen snow conditions and experienced a dangerous long sliding fall, fortunately without injury. Recognizing the firm and potentially hazardous surface, the remaining two skiers on top reassessed their descent plan.​

After discussing options, the skiers decided to descend via the Boot Spur Link Trail, a route that would significantly reduce the risk of another sliding fall. The group was well prepared with crampons, ice tools, and headlamps, and successfully hiked down without further incident.​

Today's forecast suggests that similar snow surface conditions may exist despite the warmer temperatures. As demonstrated in yesterday's incident, steep icy surfaces can lead to dangerous sliding falls. We advise all backcountry skiers and hikers to exercise caution, assess current conditions carefully, and consider alternative routes or descent methods to mitigate risks associated with firm, icy surfaces.

It might be worth refreshing your knowledge on the most dangerous mountain hazards you could encounter during this time of year. 

• Long Sliding Falls: Long sliding falls are one of the most serious hazards in the White Mountains during the winter and spring. When snow surfaces become firm or icy, especially after a freeze or rain event, a simple stumble can quickly turn into an uncontrollable slide-for-life. These falls often result in traumatic injuries and can be fatal. Steep terrain like the Summer Lion Head Trail Traverse leaves little room for error. Preventing a fall is your best defense: this means wearing crampons, using an ice axe, and using deliberate, well-practiced footwork. Once you're sliding, it’s often too late.Previous warming and fog have eaten away at the snowpack, exposing rocks and trees which could amplify the consequence of a fall. Knowing what is below you will be important as these hazards can make more areas no fall zones.
• Undermined snow: Meltwater flowing under the snowpack melts away the snow above, creating thin bridges of snow that can collapse. These will emerge at the tops of gullies (particularly on south-facing slopes) and in areas that have streams running, like the brook feeding the Little Headwall. The sound of running water can sometimes be heard under the snow and is a good indicator of this hazard.
• Snow holes: Snow holes are opening up. These openings in the snowpack can be very deep and large enough for a person to fall into. In most cases, these openings have no reasonable exit until the snow completely finishes melting. These features have been a factor in several accidents over the years.

Checkout our Springtime Mountain Hazards page for more info.

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. 

SURVEY: For years, the avalanche community has worked to understand and address the human factors that influence decision-making in the backcountry. With decades of research as their foundation, Sara Boilen and Ian McCammon are developing an open-source tool to help individuals mitigate risk in avalanche terrain. The project's first stage involves interviewing backcountry recreationalists who have been traveling in avalanche terrain for at least one season. All participants will be entered to win amazing raffle prizes (from Jones Snowboards, BCA, and more!). If you’re curious about being involved, please take 1-2 minutes to fill out our basic initial survey!