Presidential Range

Avalanches are unlikely to occur today due to a lack of recent snowfall and a limited snowpack. Negotiating steep terrain still requires a keen awareness of your surroundings and an ability to self arrest in the event of a fall.  

With only trace amounts of snow over the past four days we are in a stable pattern for the snowpack. It is very unlikely that you will trigger an avalanche today given the current circumstances. Warm temperatures and ample wind have dominated the Presidential Range lately, continuing the leanness of our snowpack. Our winter weather is forecast to improve tomorrow with snow slated to begin in the evening hours. 

Still much of the skiable terrain is littered with objective hazards such as rocks, ice, and vegetation. Thin coverage exists in most areas and few skiable lines are connected from the ridgeline to the floor of the ravines. Tomorrow we could see mixed precipitation below treeline which may add ice to the surface of the snow. Having adequate traction, in the form of crampons, is important if traveling on packed trails, off-trail, and on any steep slope. 

The Lion Head Summer Trail is OPEN due to reduced avalanche risk, and is currently the least hazardous, direct route to the summit of Mt Washington 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.