Presidential Range

Avalanches are unlikely today because the snowpack is icy and stable. Mountaineering equipment and climbing skills are required to safely travel in steep terrain and avoid a dangerous sliding fall.

Expect to find a hard, icy snow surface in most steep terrain for the majority of the day. Steep, south-facing slopes may warm for a brief period of time, but expect them to rapidly cool again with the moving shadow line in the afternoon. 

A sliding, uncontrollable fall is one of the most significant hazards in steep terrain today. Mountaineering skills and equipment, careful route planning, and experience are needed to avoid this hazard. 

Expect to begin encountering other springtime mountain hazards which notably include, falling ice, deep holes in the snowpack, and undermined snow. All these hazards have a long history of injuries and fatalities. Use careful route finding and make keen observations to limit your exposure and avoid these hazards. 

The Lion Head Summer Trail is CLOSED due to increased avalanche hazard. The Lion Head Winter Route is OPEN and the most direct route to the Mount Washington Summit from Pinkham Notch. 

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.