Avalanche forecast

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

You could trigger an avalanche in wind-drifted snow above 3000 feet in steep wind-sheltered areas below ridgelines, cliffs, and in narrow gullies. Watch out for areas of softer snow that is deeper than the top of your boots. Use your hand, a ski pole, or a shovel to understand the thickness and sensitivity of new wind slabs.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    What and where is it:3 inches of new snow and westerly winds have built small wind slabs up to 12 inches thick on steep north-facing, east-facing, and south-facing slopes above 3000 feet. Pay careful attention to the upper sections of steep terrain, which could harbor a wind slab that is not connected to the terrain below. New wind slabs could be triggered by your weight and be sensitive to warming temperatures today. How can you recognize it: Watch for areas of new snow and deeper snow drifts sitting on top of the hard old snow surface. Snow drifts deeper than your boot, shooting cracks from under your feet, and new soft snow easily sliding on the old snow surface are signs of a wind slab. Use your hand, a ski pole, or a shovel to assess slab depth and the ability of the new snow to stick to the hard old snow.

    How can you manage it:Make snowpack observations consistently throughout the day and carefully evaluate each slope you decide to travel on. While triggering an avalanche today may not be enough to bury you, it could cause an uncontrollable fall in steep terrain. Pay attention to the actions of other people, especially if they are above you where new wind slabs could be larger and more sensitive.

Avalanche Discussion

New wind slabs are likely to be variable in sensitivity based on slab thickness, warming temperatures, and time of day. If temperatures warm rapidly, be prepared for wind slabs to be more sensitive to your weight, especially if they are thicker and more connected across larger areas of the terrain. 

Below the new snow is a widespread hard old snow surface that has the potential to act as an effective sliding surface for both the new snow and people. Triggering even a small avalanche in steep terrain today could result in an uncontrolled, dangerous long-sliding-fall. Travel strategically in avalanche terrain to mitigate the risk and consequences of triggering a wind slab avalanche. 

Below 3000 feet, new snow totals are likely to be much lower with much less wind. General caution is recommended but new avalanche problems are unlikely.

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.

Regions covered