Avalanche forecast

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Triggering an avalanche is possible where the wind has formed snowdrifts at middle and upper elevations. Watch out for areas of smooth, wind-drifted snow that could avalanche from the weight of a person. To reduce the odds of triggering an avalanche, travel on hard textured snow surfaces and avoid areas of softer wind drifted snow.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Yesterday’s early morning snow showers brought just over 3 inches of snow to the middle and upper elevations, accompanied by strong northwest winds. Watch out for wind slabs 1-2 feet thick, primarily in east facing ravines. The largest slabs will likely be found on steep east and southeast-facing slopes, though smaller, thinner slabs may also be found on adjacent slopes from cross loading winds. 

    These new slabs may be formed atop older thin wind slabs poorly bonded to the bed surface. A small D1 avalanche was triggered Wednesday on one of these older slabs.

    Despite the strong wind speeds, the slabs are likely to be reactive to human triggers in wind protected areas. Cold weather will have worked to limit settlement and bonding of the new snow. 

    Watch out for areas of softer, dry snow where foot penetration goes deeper than the tops of your boots. Look for shooting cracks in the snow under your feet as a red flag for instability. Frequent hand shear tests will be useful to identify any weak layers at the interface between the new snow, older slabs and the bed surface.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    South aspects may warm up from direct sun before overhead clouds arrive in the afternoon. Today, wet loose avalanches will be small, but have enough mass to pull you from your feet in steep, consequential terrain. 

    Watchout for wet snow at the snowpack surface more than several inches deep. In areas with soft snow, look for roller balls as a red flag that the surface snow has become moist and weak. Move away from sun warmed, steep slopes to avoid this avalanche problem.

Avalanche Discussion

Dynamic, unstable weather over the next 36 hours will create a dynamic, potentially unstable snowpack. The chance for strong sun this morning, warming temperatures, a little snow and over 1/2 inch of rain will rapidly destabilize the snowpack hour by hour. Just how that plays out for avalanche potential depends on the stability of the recent wind slabs. Wind packed, firm stubborn slabs are likely to better handle the changes, while softer reactive slabs are more likely to destabilize and become easier to trigger. Be mindful and observant when moving through avalanche terrain today, and be flexible with your terrain choices if you see any concerning red flags. 

The Lion Head Summer Trail is CLOSED due to increased avalanche hazard. The Lion Head Winter Route is OPEN and the most direct route to the Mount Washington Summit from Pinkham Notch. 

OBSERVATIONS: Please consider submitting an observation of what you are seeing in your travels. Submitting an observation hones your skills, informs other users, and improves our forecasts. 

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