Avalanche forecast

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Human triggered avalanches 1-2 feet deep are possible on steep, wind-loaded slopes with easterly aspects. To reduce your risk, steer clear of obvious drifts and slopes where wind drifted snow has collected and minimize time spent beneath avalanche paths.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    What and where is it: Yesterday’s snowfall combined with strong winds formed wind slabs above 3000 feet. These slabs may be 1–2 feet thick and are most likely on northeast, east, and south-facing slopes. Increasing winds overnight likely built thicker, stiffer slabs on top of the softer slabs that formed earlier yesterday.

    How can you recognize it: Look for smooth, pillowy areas of snow that indicate recent drifting. As you move through terrain, use pole or boot penetration to gauge slab thickness. Digging with your hand, pole, or shovel can help you assess how the new snow is bonding to the surface below. Shooting cracks may also be an indicator today, especially where deeper slabs have formed. If the snow becomes noticeably stiffer or deeper, it’s time to pay attention.

    How can you manage it: Assess the new slabs carefully and make conservative decisions. While there is still some uncertainty about the size, some slabs may be large enough to bury a person. The safest option is to avoid steep, wind-loaded slopes if you are unable to confidently evaluate the snowpack.

Avalanche Discussion

Yesterday forecasters found new soft wind slabs up to about a foot thick before leaving the field. We also received reports of a couple small, human-triggered avalanches that propagated within the new snow, along with a several-hour period of more intense snowfall during the afternoon.

Overnight, northwest winds increased significantly, rising from around 45 mph during the day to 70–80 mph before easing this morning. These increasing winds likely transported snow rapidly and contributed to additional loading overnight, building thicker, stiffer slabs on top of the softer slabs observed yesterday. While we questioned how effective alpine fetch may be following recent snow loss that has left many rocks exposed, nearly 7 inches of new snow combined with these ramping winds provides the setup for larger slabs with an upside-down structure.

With winds decreasing this morning, the window for natural avalanches has likely passed, though they remain within the realm of possibility early today. Human-triggered wind slabs remain a concern in steep terrain.

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