Presidential Range

Wind slabs that remain in place following the wind loading and natural avalanche activity that occurred yesterday are likely to be stubborn to a human trigger. An isolated area or two could contain a large wind slab in sheltered areas where wind driven snow has recently accumulated. Human triggered avalanches are possible in lee, wind sheltered areas where wind slabs may be more prone to triggering due to terrain configuration or poor snowpack structure. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully and consider your exposure to steep, wind-loaded slopes that sound hollow or appear smooth and rounded. Slide-for-life conditions are likely to exist in some areas where wind has scoured away snow to old, icy surfaces; crampons and ice axes are essential tools.

The Winter Lion Head Route is the most direct route to climb to the summit from Pinkham Notch. The Tuckerman Ravine trail through the Bowl, and the Lion Head Summer Trail are much more exposed and pass through avalanche terrain.

Snowfall totals yesterday were challenging to accurately measure due to extreme winds, even at sheltered snow study plots.  Direct observations yesterday by snow rangers in the field confirm that the 4” reported by the summit is likely to be accurate. The raging wind yesterday kept people from approaching avalanche terrain so we’ll have to gather observations of avalanche activity today as skies clear and wind subsides. The new snow and high winds are likely to have changed the landscape significantly. I would expect that HIllman’s Highway and the Lower Snowfields and the gullies in the Gulf of Slides are much more filled-in now since extreme winds like those that raged yesterday tend to push snow to mid-slope and lower. Warm temperatures at lower and middle elevations created another nasty crust on the snow that may have gained a bit of new snow on top to make a dust-on-crust scenario there.

 

Our attention turns to the approaching low pressure for the next snowpack refresh. Unfortunately, it looks like some sort of crust will top off the new snow. Hopefully some upslope snow showers will deliver a bit more after the warm precipitation types. The next chance for a big storm is on Thursday.

 

Information on all US avalanche fatalities can be found here with details and accident reports appearing as they are submitted to the CAIC.  An interview with Simon Trautman of the National Avalanche Center on the recent cluster of fatal avalanche accidents can be found here. 

 

Thanks to everyone for taking the time to submit all the observations of snow and avalanche conditions, both inside and outside our avalanche forecast area. Please keep them coming. 

 

Your avalanche, snowpack, or weather observations are extremely valuable to the forecasters at MWAC. Help create a more accurate avalanche forecast by submitting your observations here. 

 

Listen to the weekly MWAC Outreach Podcast provided by Ski The Whites. Discussions include snowpack information, weekend outlook, and general avalanche related info. 

 

The Harvard Cabin is open for camping only with no entry allowed inside the cabin. There is no access to the breezeway at HoJos.

Please Remember:

• Safe travel in avalanche terrain requires training and experience. This forecast is just one tool to help you make your own decisions in avalanche terrain. You control your own risk by choosing where, when, and how you travel.
• Avalanche danger may change when actual weather differs from the higher summits forecast.

For more information contact the US Forest Service Snow Rangers, AMC visitor services staff at the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center, or the caretakers at Hermit Lake Shelters or seasonally at the Harvard Cabin (generally December 1 through March 31). The Mount Washington Ski Patrol is also available on spring weekends.