Presidential Range

Use normal caution by carrying avalanche rescue gear and watch out for springtime mountain hazards like undermined snow, deep holes in the snowpack, and icy, refrozen snow slopes. Crampons, ice axes, and helmets are required to reduce the risk of a dangerous fall in steep terrain.

After about 1.5 inches of rain and persistent warming, the snowpack has gone through many changes in the past 48 hours. You will likely encounter numerous springtime hazards in steep terrain today including glide cracks, deep holes in the snow, icefall, undermined snow, and icy snow surfaces. Remain observant to identify these mountain hazards and give them a wide margin. All of these hazards have injured or killed people in the past, and they are not to be taken lightly. Give springtime hazards the same attention and respect that you give avalanche problems in the middle of winter. 

Be prepared for variable snow surface conditions, including hard, slick snow where a fall could have serious consequences. It will take time for the snow surface to soften, and in many areas, it could remain frozen and icy. Crampons, ice axes, and a helmet can help you reduce the risk of a dangerous fall in steep terrain.

Continue to use normal caution in avalanche terrain by carrying avalanche rescue equipment and making informed decisions about when, how, and what terrain you are traveling in.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