Avalanche forecast

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
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Highlights

Human triggered avalanches 1 - 2 feet thick will become more likely in eastern ravines as temperatures rise today.  Watch for signs of warming wet snow to know that stability is decreasing.  Recent snow will stabilize quickly over the next day or two - play it safe and give it some time.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Northwest wind has blown the 9 inches of new snow into eastern ravines creating widespread wind slabs proven to slide easily on a weak layer just above the bed surface. Unstable snow is widespread; looking for pillows of new snow will be less effective for spotting the avalanche problem than paying attention to the depth of snow you are traveling in. In Tuckerman Ravine, targets for the deepest wind slabs will be The Chute, Center Headwall, The Lip and Sluice. 

    As temperatures rise above freezing this morning, stability will decrease with an increased potential for previously dry slabs to release naturally as wet slabs. The Lip and especially the area from Sluice to Right Gully are likely to be trouble spots from warming when the sun comes out due to exposure to the sun and cliffs which absorb sunlight and heat the snow beneath.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    The potential for wet loose slides—both natural and human-triggered—will increase during the day. They will be most likely on very steep (approaching 40 degrees), wind-sheltered slopes in the sun this afternoon.

    Be on the lookout for rollerballs, pinwheels, and wet snow "snails" moving down steep slopes. If you see these signs of wet snow instability or feel uneasy about how warm it is, it's time to stick to gentler slopes and pay attention to what's above you. Wet snow stability can change rapidly; dry snow conditions you experience this morning could quickly turn wet this afternoon. 

Avalanche Discussion

Unstable snow was widespread in the terrain yesterday, particularly above 4500 feet in elevation. The forecasting team found recent snow easy to slide on a layer of soft snow around 4 cm up from the bed surface. Above the floor of the ravine, at around 4500 feet the snow became drier with easy propagation on failure, especially when deeper than a foot. 

Keep in mind that snowpack instability will increase today as temperatures rise, then stabilize quickly over the next few days of warm temperatures. 

Remember that melting has occurred over the last few days, bringing springtime objective hazards to the forefront. If you are in the mountains today be watching for:

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  • The John Sherburne Ski Trail is closed at the third cut-over 3/4 down from the top.  Please cross over to the Tuckerman Ravine trail at the yellow rope and walk down the hiking trail.
  • The Harvard Cabin is closed for the season.
  • The Lion Head Summer Trail remains closed for the season due to avalanche risk. The Lion Head Winter Route is open.

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