Avalanche forecast

Presidential Range

Mount Washington Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

You can trigger an avalanche in the recently wind-drifted snow of the middle and upper elevations. The snowpack is still struggling to fill in steep terrain completely, but understand that even a small avalanche can cause you harm in these early season conditions. Use crampons as you ascend today and reduce your exposure to long falls by adjusting your route.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Pockets of wind-transported snow may linger on steep wind sheltered leeward slopes. West and southwest winds have loaded areas below ridgelines with slabs capable of taking a person off their feet, or even burying them in a terrain trap, in the event of an avalanche. A stout rain crust from last week has the slopes firm and icy with recently collected snow on the surface. The lack of snow overall in the terrain means that most of the slabs are not well connected and therefore confined to specific locations on the eastside of the mountains. Abrupt changes in steepness or snowy midslope patches between rock and ice features are the most likely places to find unstable snow today. 

Avalanche Discussion

With the potential likelihood of triggering an avalanche in recently wind drifted snow, cautious travel is advised. There may be unstable snow in the skiable terrain you are planning to venture, especially if you are heading into the committing steeps of the Presidential Range. Due to a rain crust formed last week during a substantial warm-up, surface conditions will change rapidly over the course of your travels. Expect icy surfaces with pockets of wind-hardened or even loose dry snow on top, that could be a foot thick or more in some locations. 

The 1 to 2 inches of new upslope snow each day is keeping skiers on alert for small avalanches that could create a long-sliding fall through hazardous terrain. Cold wind drifted snow does not bond well to a firm icy slope, creating a combination where these slabs become reactive when you introduce yourself onto them. It is not uncommon for a small avalanche to push people off their intended trajectory towards rocks and ice that are unfriendly to a speedy uncontrolled human body.

Long Sliding Falls: Traveling in steep avalanche terrain today will require full mountaineering equipment including stiff boots, crampons, and an ice ax. Long sliding falls are dangerous, injuring or killing more people than avalanches in the Presidential Range.

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. 

The Lion Head Summer Trail is now closed for the season due to avalanche risk. The Lion Head Winter Route is open.

Regions covered